Findings In Cows Research Articles

Dilated small and large intestines combined with a severely abnormal demeanor are characteristic of mesenteric torsion in cattle.

To describe the clinical, laboratory, and ultrasonographic findings; treatment; and outcome of cattle with mesenteric torsion (MT). 61 cattle with MT between November 1, 1986, and December 31, 2019. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Results were compared for cattle that survived versus did not survive to hospital discharge. All cattle had abnormal demeanor. The most common clinical signs were tachycardia (80.3% [49/61]), tachypnea (65.0% [39/60]), and lower rectal temperature (59.3% [35/59]). Signs of colic occurred in 65.6% (40/61). The most common gastrointestinal findings were an empty or almost empty rectum (100% [59/59]), reduced or absent motility of the small intestines (96.6% [57/59]) or rumen (93.2% [55/59]), positive ballottement and/or percussion and simultaneous auscultation on the right side (91.7% [55/60]), and dilated small (49.2% [29/59]) and large intestines (spiral colon and/or cecum, 44.1% [26/59]) detected during transrectal examination. The most common laboratory findings were acidosis (82.6%, [38/46]) hypermagnesemia (74.5% [35/47]). Ultrasonographic findings included reduced or absent small intestinal motility (86.7% [26/30]) and dilated small intestines (83.8% [31/37]). The spiral colon was dilated in 32.4% (12/37) of the cattle. Eighty-two percent (50/61) of the cattle underwent right flank laparotomy and the MT could be reduced in 34.4% (21/61). Twenty-three percent (14/61) of the cattle survived to hospital discharge, and 77.0% (47/61) were euthanized before hospital discharge. Dilated small and large intestines (spiral colon, cecum) combined with a severely abnormal demeanor and tachycardia are characteristic findings in cows with MT. Immediate surgical treatment is paramount.

Incidence of Characteristic Findings during Veterinary Carcass Inspections 2010-2019 in the Czech Republic and the Relation to the Level of Health and Welfare of Individual Classes of Cattle.

Simple SummaryThe data from a veterinary inspection is a valuable tool in monitoring the health and welfare of slaughtered animals and can provide information relevant to the assessment of their living conditions. In our study, the results of veterinary inspections of cattle slaughtered in the Czech Republic in the period 2010–2019 were analyzed. In terms of localization, the most frequent findings in cattle were in the liver and pancreas (26.36%), in the lungs (25.44%) and in the urinary tract (25.19%). Among adult cattle, according to these pathological findings, cows were numerically the most affected class. In contrast, bulls had very good levels of health. In calves, the most frequent were findings in the lungs, unclassified changes and overall changes. The results showed the different health issues and the different states of health in the individual classes of cattle, which demand a different approach to the treatment and prevention of the most frequent diseases. The spectrum of characteristic findings is also a reflection of the level of welfare. Deteriorated living conditions should be mentioned especially in cows but also in calves which often suffered from emaciation or stunted growth.Pathological findings in individual classes of cattle were assessed from the viewpoint of their localization and category. The objective of the study was to evaluate whether there are differences in the range and number of findings made between the individual classes of cattle. The results of veterinary inspections on 2,514,666 head of cattle slaughtered in the Czech Republic in the period 2010–2019 were used for the assessment. In terms of localization, the most frequent findings in cows were in the liver and pancreas (46.13%), the urinary tract (40.76%) and the lungs (36.23%). These findings also predominated in heifers and bulls, though they were recorded at lower frequencies (p < 0.01) than in cows. The most frequent pathological changes in heifers and bulls were chronic findings in the lungs (16.09% and 12.27%, respectively). The range of findings in calves differed significantly from other classes of cattle, primarily as the result of respiratory and diarrheal syndrome being the most frequent diseases in calves. Calves were the class of cattle most frequently diagnosed with findings in the lungs (44.89%), as well as other unclassified changes (24.43%) and overall changes (21.55%), which point to a systemic disorder of the organism. The results of this study confirmed the differing states of health in the individual classes of cattle and the differing health issues to which treatment and the prevention of the most frequently occurring infectious and non-infectious diseases must be adapted. Cattle welfare is affected not only by the level of health but also by the herd management and economics. This is confirmed by the range of findings, and the deterioration of living conditions especially in cows, likely because of great intensity of farming, but also in calves which suffered from emaciation or stunted growth.

Mitochondrial membrane protein mitofusin 2 as a potential therapeutic target for treating free fatty acid–induced hepatic inflammation in dairy cows during early lactation

Inflammation is critical in the progression from benign hepatic lipidosis to pathological hepatic steatosis. The objective of this study was to examine the potential role of the outer mitochondrial membrane protein mitofusin 2 (MFN2) in the etiology of hepatic steatosis in dairy cows during early lactation. Using a nested case-control design, we compared blood and liver samples from 10 healthy cows and 10 age-matched cows with moderate fatty liver. Cows with moderate fatty liver had high liver triacylglycerols, elevated plasma concentrations of free fatty acids (FFA) and β-hydroxybutyrate, and low concentrations of glucose. Cows with moderate fatty liver had overactivated inflammatory pathways in the liver, as indicated by increased abundance of phosphorylated nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) p65, NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) and caspase-1 inflammasome protein, and elevated plasma concentrations and hepatic mRNA abundance of their molecular targets IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). In the cell culture model, we were able to replicate our findings in cows with moderate fatty liver: 1.2 mM exogenous FFA decreased the abundance of MFN2 and upregulated phosphorylation levels of the inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB) α and NF-κB p65, the IκB kinase β activity, and the abundance of NLRP3, caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Whereas MFN2 knockdown potentiated the FFA-induced activation of these inflammatory pathways, overexpression of MFN2 attenuated the detrimental effect of excess exogenous FFA by improving mitochondrial function and decreasing the release of reactive oxygen species, suggesting that MFN2 may be a potential therapeutic target for FFA-induced hepatic inflammation in dairy cows during early lactation.

Ultrasonographic findings in cows with left displacement of abomasum, before and after reposition surgery

BackgroundThe natural incidence of left displacement of abomasum (LDA) in dairy cows was high. The diagnosis of LDA usually relies on characteristic physical exam findings but that transabdominal ultrasound is a useful technique that has been applied to the diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases of dairy cows in equivocal cases.MethodsForty dairy cows with LDA were clinically and ultrasonographically examined to determine the position and the echogenic property of the abomasum. The cows were examined ultrasonographically on the left side, from the 9th intercostal space (ICS) to the 12th ICS as well as the ventral left abdomen before and after reposition surgery.ResultsThe vital signs were within normal range in most of the cows and the ‘pinging’ were clearly heard in 37 cows. The abomasal gas cap was visualized from the 9th to 12th ICS in 37 cows and characterized by reverberation artifacts. The abomasal ingesta appeared as homogeneous hypoechoic fluid with scattered hyperechoic foci and were mainly visible in the median region and ventral region of the 9th to 11th ICS in 35 cows. The pyloric canal was detected from the ventral left abdomen wall in 30 cows and appeared as a loop with hypoechogenic wall and echogenic luminal contents in cross section.ConclusionThese typical ultrasonograms, including reverberation artifacts, homogenous hypoechoic structures, are important diagnostic feature in ultrasonography of LDA. Furthermore, the circular acoustic image structure of the pyloric canal is an important characteristic of LDA, so it can be used as an important diagnostic basis of LDA.

Clinico-biochemical and surgical evaluation of omaso-abomasal volvulus in cattle

The aim of the present study was to determine and characterize the clinical, hematological, biochemical parametersand outcome in cows suffering from Omaso-abomasal volvulus (OAV). Animals data were obtained from medicalrecords of 60 adult dairy cattle suffering from OAV (Clinic for Ruminants, Justus-Liebig-University, Germany).For each case, history, age, results of clinical examination, hematological and biochemical findings were recordedand analyzed. Ages of animals were between 2.3 and 8 years, (mean 4.8). Compared with the respective normalrange, there were significant increases of the heart rate, hematocrit, total bilirubin, urea blood, concentrations ofbicarbonate and base excess. Serum chloride and potassium were significantly decreased in the majority of cows.In this study, dehydration, metabolic alkalosis, hypochloremia, hypokalemia and circulatory insufficiency werethe major common findings in cows with Omasum-abomasal volvulus. Excessive stretching of the abomasal walland long lasting strangulations at the torsion-sites must be avoided (surgery should be performed as soon afterdiagnosis of AOV as possible) and correction of these conditions with aggressive intravenous fluid therapy isnecessary before the surgical intervention for correction of the hematobiochemical alterations

エンドトキシン中和剤を含む牛サルモネラ不活化ワクチン接種牛の臨床病理学的所見

サルモネラ・ティフィムリウム及び同ダブリンの不活化菌体抗原を主成分とし，エンドトキシン中和剤であるポリミキシンB硫酸塩を含む牛サルモネラ症不活化ワクチンを，健常なホルスタイン種育成牛8頭に接種した際の生体の反応を，臨床病理学的に観察した．ワクチン接種後に食欲の低下や一般状態の悪化は認められなかった．注射部位に一過性の腫脹及び硬結が認められた．血液検査所見では，ワクチン接種後24時間以内に，急性炎症の指標となるヘマトクリット値，血清総蛋白質濃度，アスパラギン酸アミノトランスフェラーゼ活性値，クレアチンキナーゼ活性値及びシアル酸濃度の有意な上昇が認められた．一方，ワクチン接種後にエンドトキシンショックや過敏症反応を疑わせる臨床症状は認められなかった．免疫学的な有効性が認められて市販されている本ワクチンは，接種部位の局所的な急性炎症を起こすが，重篤な副反応を引き起こす可能性は低いと考えられた．

Electrical conductivity of milk and bacteriological findings in cows with subclinical mastitis

Intramammary infections change the composition of milk and increase electrical conductivity of milk and decrease milk electrical resistance. Electrical conductivity has been used to detect mastitis during last four decades. The aim of this research was to examine the reliability of the milk electrical conductivity measuring in detection of subclinical mastitis. The experiment was conducted on a dairy farm of Holstein-Friesian breed. A total of 113 quarter milk samples were examined, 55 samples from cows in first stage of lactation and 58 from cows in third stage of lactation. Electrical conductivity (EC) of milk samples was detected by Hand-held EC meter (Draminski mastitis detector). Quarter milk samples for bacteriological analysis were taken aseptically during the morning milking in sterile test tubes. Bacteria growth was not detected in 60 quarter milk samples (53.1%), while in the other 53 samples bacteria was found (46.9%). The most common isolated bacteria in first and third stage of lactation was Corynebacterium spp. (38.9%) and coagulase - negative staphylococci (3.54%). High quality and healthy milk with Draminski mastitis detector was observed in 59.29% of the samples (67/113). Cows with mastitis may not always show an increased EC of milk from the infected quarter. Electrical conductivity of milk can give useful informations about udder health status, but hand-held EC meters, such as Draminski mastitis detector, cannot be used alone in diagnosis of subclinical mastitis.

Circulating Thyroid Hormones and Indices of Energy and Lipid Metabolism in Normal and Hormonally Induced Oestrus Cows

In a field study, circulating thyroid hormones, their free forms and indices of energy and lipid metabolism were measured in blood samples of 16 dairy cows expressing detectable oestrus signs. The cows were divided into two equal groups according to their days in milk (DIM=53-90 and DIM=100-150). In each group, 4 cows expressed the oestrus signs normally and the others were induced by hormone injection. Serum thyroxin (T4), free thyroxin (fT4), triiodothyronine (T3), free triiodothyronine (fT3), glucose, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), triglyceride (TAG), cholesterol, very low density lipoproteins (VLDL-cholesterol), low density lipoproteins (LDL-cholesterol) and high density lipoproteins (HDL-cholesterol) were investigated. Comparison of all oestrus cows (normal or induced) between DIM groups (n=8 each) revealed lower levels of T4 (P=0.027) and T3 (P=0.022), but higher concentrations of fT4 (P=0.031) and fT3 (P=0.006) in the cows with lower DIM. Higher concentrations of TAG and VLDL (P=0.021) and cholesterol (P=0.046) as well as a tendency (P=0.074) for lower levels of BHB were other remarkable findings in cows with lower DIM. In cows with DIM=53-90, the normal oestrus cows had higher levels of T3 (P=0.044) as well as tendencies (P=0.083) for higher T4 and lower fT4 compared with induced cows. In cows with DIM=100-150, however, no significant difference was observed between the normal and induced oestrus cows. In conclusion, the cows that express oestrus signs normally may have better metabolic and thyroid hormone conditions compared to those that express heat by hormone injection. With progress in DIM, however, such differences may become less evident.

Clinical ocular findings in cows with malignant catarrhal fever: ocular disease progression and outcome in 25 cases (2007–2010)

To describe the ocular clinical signs in a group of cows diagnosed with sheep associated malignant catarrhal fever (MCF), and to investigate a possible correlation between the severity and progression of certain typical clinical signs and disease outcome. This prospective study involved cows diagnosed with MCF between 2007 and 2010, and included cows enrolled in a larger clinical trial. Signalment of affected cows, presence and progression of ocular lesions, as well as disease outcome were recorded. Cows were divided into two groups based on the disease outcome: (1) survival and (2) nonsurvival. The degree of corneal edema at first examination was statistically compared between groups. The progression of corneal edema, uveitis and the examining ophthalmologists' subjective assessment of disease progression between the first and last examination were also compared between groups. Twenty-five cows (22 F, 3 M) of six different breeds and one mixed breed were included. Median age was 21 months (range 8-113). Ten cows survived, 13 cows were euthanized, and two died. No statistical association was identified between the degree of corneal edema at the first examination and the disease outcome. Deterioration of corneal edema was not noticed in any of the surviving animals. Anterior uveitis improved in all 10 surviving cows. The degree of corneal edema at first examination had no prognostic value for the disease outcome. The results of this study suggest that the progression of corneal edema correlates well with disease outcome, and that nonimprovement of uveitis is a bad prognostic sign.

Oral immunotherapy for food allergy in children

Food allergy is a common disease in childhood. Natural tolerance development is frequent, but some children with cow's milk or hen's egg allergy and the majority of children with peanut allergy will remain allergic until adulthood. Within the last several years, the usefulness of oral immunotherapy has been investigated in food allergic patients. This review covers the most recent findings. In cow's milk and hen's egg allergy, controlled trials have been conducted in children, showing that oral immunotherapy, in general, has been successful and safe. Moreover, rush protocols have been developed allowing desensitization in a short period of time. Although side effects are frequent, allergic reactions seem to be controllable by antihistamines, steroids, or epinephrine. For peanut allergy, the first results look promising and detailed data will be available shortly. Several studies have shown that oral immunotherapy is a promising approach, especially in patients with severe and persistent food allergy. Side effects are frequent but seem controllable. So far, treatment protocols have been performed in highly supervised research settings. Until more experience is gained from larger long-term studies, oral immunotherapy should not be tried in clinical practice settings.

The &lt;i&gt;In Vitro&lt;/i&gt; Developmental Competence of Oocytes from Juvenile Calves is Related to Follicular Diameter

This study investigated the relationship between follicle size (FS) and developmental competence of calf oocytes. Cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) from follicles>8 (L-COCs; n=19), 4-8 (M-COCs; n=54), and 2-3 mm (S-COCs; n=155) were recovered from non-stimulated 1-4 months old dairy calves post mortem and ex vivo (laparoscopy), and in parallel from slaughtered adult cows from follicles of identical size categories [>8 (n=91); 4-8 (n=138); 2-3 mm (n=193)]. Morphologically intact COCs were subjected to in vitro maturation, fertilization, and embryo culture. Cleavage rate (CR; 46 h post-insemination=p.i.), rate of morulae/blastocysts (M/Bl; day 7 p.i.), and blastocysts (Bl; day 9 p.i.) were recorded. FS had no effect on the CR in calves. However, calf L-COCs yielded the highest rates of M/Bl and Bl compared with the two other size categories (P<0.05). In contrast, calf S- and M-COCs gave similar rates of M/Bl, whereas the proportion of Bl was lowest for S-COCs (P<0.05). This was almost identical to findings in cows, except that the CR was highest for L-COCs and M/Bl yields were lowest for S-COCs (P<0.05). There were no differences between calf and cows with regard to CR for the respective FS categories. L-COCs from calves and cows yielded similar rates of M/Bl and Bl, whereas calf S- and M-COCs yielded lower rates of Bl than S- and M-COCs from cows and a lower rate of M/Bl when S-and M-COCs were analyzed as one group (P<0.05). Whereas the CR was similar in calves and cows, calf COCs yielded lower rates of M/Bl and Bl (P<0.05). In conclusion, the results show that the developmental competence of calf oocytes is higher in those derived from follicles larger than 8 mm, and thus are almost equally as competent as cow oocytes derived from follicles of identical size. This suggests that calf oocytes acquire developmental competence within the large follicle, potentially due to a process similar to prematuration of the oocyte in the adult cow. It is proposed that procedures that facilitate prematuration, such as "coasting" following a preceding superstimulation, might increase the developmental competence of calf oocytes.

Clinical and Post Mortem Findings in Cows Suffering from a Wasting Disease

In the winter of 1998/1999 a was reported from a number of dairy farms in the Netherlands. In the first months of 1999 more than 20 percent losses among the livestock occurred on affected farms due to fatal prognosis. Clinical symptoms occurred in post partum dairy cows that were characterized by loss in body condition without any obvious reason. In addition, a variety of diseases were observed such as lameness, abortus, endometritis, mastitis and respiratory disease. Between April 1999 and March 2000, 19 dairy cows from 11 farms were submitted to the clinic of the Department of Farm Animal Health for clinical and post-mortem examination. The results of clinical examinations and necropsies gave a variety of diagnoses such as mastitis, abomasal dislocation and claw disorders. The claws of the majority of animals were affected by a severe laminitis, which was characterized by complete loosening of the claw horn from the underlying pododerma at the parietal and solar part of the horn shoe. Interestingly, these alterations were only limited to a distinct part of the claw; in the proximal parts the pododerma was tightly fixed to the underlying tissues. Based on an assumed horn growth rate of 5 to 7 mm per month it was concluded that these animals had suffered from a short-lasting disturbance of blood supply of the claw in spring of 2000. Severe laminitis resulted in various claw disorders such as sole ulcers, superficial interdigital necrosis etc. In addition, the animals developed secondary lesions such as endocarditis and metastatic pneumonia and nefritis. The results of the examination show that the occurring on a number of farms in the Netherlands in 1998/1999 does not form an entity, but is characterized by a broad variety of diseases, with severe laminitis being a central aspect of the disease. The etiology of the has not been elucidated until now. In the year 2000, however, was only reported from a few farms. The wasting disease as described here shows remarkably similarity with concrete disease described by Rebhun in 1995.

Ultrasonographic findings in cows with dilatation, torsion and retroflexion of the caecum

Thirty cows with caecal dilatation underwent clinical and ultrasonographic examinations, followed by a right flank laparotomy and surgical correction. The intraoperative findings were compared with the results of the ultrasonographic...

Laboratory findings in cows after experimental infection with Ehrlichia phagocytophila.

The goal of this study was to assess various hematological variables in 10 cows after experimental infection with Ehrlichia phagocytophila. Blood samples were collected at regular intervals for examination of leukocytes for Ehrlichia organisms and for determination of hematological and biochemical variables. In addition, PCR amplification was performed throughout the disease period on blood and milk samples for the detection of E. phagocytophila organisms. The time of seroconversion and the duration of serum titers indicating positivity were determined by indirect immunofluorescence. For all cows, E. phagocytophila organisms were first detected microscopically in leukocytes 5 to 8 days postinfection and could be demonstrated for a period of 6 to 14 days. For all cows, the appearance of E. phagocytophila organisms in leukocytes coincided with transient erythropenia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia and a decrease in hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration. For five lactating cows, E. phagocytophila organisms were identified in leukocytes of milk samples during the acute phase of the disease, which, we believe, has not previously been reported. E. phagocytophila DNA was detected in blood samples by nested PCR from 1 to 2 days before to 2 to 12 days after the organisms were identified microscopically. In milk samples, E. phagocytophila DNA was detected for an average of 11 days.

Ultrasonographic findings in cows with left displacement of the abomasum

Forty-eight cows with left displacement of the abomasum (LDA) and three clinically healthy control cows were examined ultrasonographically from the 11th and 12th intercostal spaces on the left side. In...

Clinical findings in cows after experimental infection with Ehrlichia phagocytophila.

The goal of this study was to determine the clinical signs and course of disease in five lactating cows and in five dry cows after experimental infection with Ehrlichia phagocytophila. Ten clinically healthy Swiss Braunvieh cows, seronegative for E. phagocytophila, were injected with 50 ml of whole blood containing E. phagocytophila. The cows were examined daily for 21 days, and blood samples were collected for microscopic examination of leukocytes for the infective agent. All cows became ill with symptoms of tick-borne fever after an incubation period of 5 to 9 days. The most important clinical signs were pyrexia (40.2-41.7 degrees C), decreased milk production and mildly to moderately disturbed general condition. In addition, there were respiratory symptoms such as polypnea, nasal discharge, cough and abnormal lung sounds. Clinical signs returned to normal in all cows without treatment after an average of 8 days. E. phagocytophila bodies were seen in leukocytes 5-8 days after infection and were present for 6-14 days. The course of disease was more severe in dry cows than in lactating cows. It can be concluded that experimental infection of cows with E. phagocytophila generally has a mild course. However, the associated decrease in milk production may be of economic importance.

Hypokalemia syndrome in dairy cows: 10 cases (1992–1996)

Objective To evaluate clinical findings in cows with recumbency associated with hypokalemia. Design Retrospective case series. Animals 10 adult dairy cows with weakness or recumbency and hypokalemia. Procedure Signalment, history, physical examination findings, results of diagnostic tests, and response to treatment were extracted from the medical record of each cow. Results 8 cows were recumbent on admission and 2 were profoundly weak. All cows had been given isoflupredone acetate as treatment for ketosis prior to admission. All were hypokalemic (serum potassium concentration, 1.4 to 2.3 mEq/L) with no other apparent cause for recumbency. Despite treatment with potassium, plasma potassium concentrations within the reference range were achieved in only 6 of the 9 cows treated. Two cows responded to treatment. Three cows died, 3 were euthanatized, 2 improved clinically and were discharged, 1 was discharged while still recumbent, and 1 was sent to slaughter prior to treatment. Histologic examination of muscle tissue from 2 cows revealed myonecrosis and vacuolation consistent with hypokalemic myopathy. Clinical Implications Hypokalemia should be considered in the differential diagnosis for cows that are weak or recumbent, particularly after treatment for ketosis with isoflupredone acetate. Aggressive treatment with potassium salts administered orally is indicated.

Ultrasonographic findings in cows with cholestasis

Four cows with cholestasis, whose general condition was moderately to severely disturbed, were examined. Two of them had signs of colic, and one had severe pruritus. All of them had jaundice and three had dermatitis solaris. Bilirubinuria occurred in three of the cows and they all had increased concentrations of serum bilirubin and serum bile acids and increased activities of hepatic enzymes. An ultrasonographic examination of the liver and gallbladder revealed that in one cow only the extrahepatic bile ducts were dilated, in another only the intrahepatic bile ducts were dilated and in the other two both the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts were dilated. In three of the cows the gallbladder was severely dilated and the wall was thickened. Ultrasonographically, the bile appeared either anechoic or echogenic. Surgical or post mortem examinations revealed that the cholestasis in one cow was attributable to obstruction of the common hepatic duct in the area of the hepatic hilus, in two it was caused by obstruction of the common bile duct near the duodenal papilla, and in the fourth cow, the common bile duct was compressed by adhesions, resulting from peritonitis, which involved the liver, gallbladder and abdominal wall.

The relationship between bacteriological and clinical findings in cows with subacute/chronic endometritis

Bacteriological data from the uterine swabs of 101 cows with subacute/chronic (>14 d post partum) endometritis, with additional clinical observations (cervical discharge score), were collected before and at 14 d after intrauterine treatment with antibiotics. The discharge score ranged from 0 (clear mucus) to 4, and increased when it was more purulent. On the day of treatment, Actinomyces pyogenes, Bacteroides spp. and Fusobacterium necrophorum were isolated from 65, 77 and 61% of the uterine swabs. Escherichia coli was present in 36% and other bacteria in 48% of the swabs. The presence of A. pyogenes was positively correlated with that of Bacteroides spp. (P < 0.001) and F. necrophorum (P < 0.05), whereas E. coli and streptococci were negatively associated with the presence of A. pyogenes (P < 0.05). Actinomyces pyogenes, Bacteroides spp. and F. necrophorum were positively correlated with a discharge score (P < 0.05). The absence of A. pvogenes and/or F. necrophorum at 14 d after treatment resulted in higher clinical cure rates (defined as absence of pathologic discharge), (P < 0.01). These data support the importance of A. pyogenes and Gram-negative anaerobes in the pathology of endometritis. We also conclude that vaginoscopic examination is a good tool for the diagnosis of subacute/chronic endometritis and evaluation of the result of the treatment.

Influence of age, breed, and stage of pregnancy on hepatic ultrasonographic findings in cows

Summary Influence of age, breed, and stage of pregnancy on hepatic ultrasonographic findings of cows was determined. In addition, the relation between body weight, height at the withers, milk production, and the measurements determined via ultrasonography was investigated. The liver of 186 cows was examined ultrasonographically. The cows comprised Swiss Braunvieh, Simmental, and Holstein breeds, and age ranged from 2.5 to 11.5 years. The ultrasonographic findings of the liver, gallbladder, caudal vena cava, and portal vein were described, and the position, size, thickness, and distal angle of the liver were determined. In addition, the position and diameter of the caudal vena cava and portal vein were determined. There was no significant difference between any of the variables determined and breed or age. Therefore, measurements for the 3 breeds and for the various ages were summarized into 1 group. There were significant correlations between body weight, milk production, and size and thickness of the liver. In 3 pregnant cows, the liver was examined ultrasonographically 8 times during the course of pregnancy. Positive correlation was detected between stage of pregnancy and diameter of the caudal vena cava. There was a negative correlation between stage of pregnancy and diameter of the portal vein. In 23 cows, the ultrasonographically determined measurements of the liver were compared with those determined at slaughter. Weight of the liver correlated well to thickness of the liver determined via ultrasonography.