The therapeutic efficacy of allyl isothiocyanate in cows with bovine digital dermatitis

Effect of applications of collagen ointments on the healing of purulent-necrotic ulcers of finger tissues in cows

The purpose of the research was to obtain new experimental samples of collagen antiseptic ointments and to evaluate the effect of their use on the healing of purulent-necrotic ulcers of the finger tissues in cows. To achieve this goal, two experimental samples of collagen ointment were made: the first sample was a collagen analog of «Levomekol» ointment, and the second sample was a collagen ointment based on «Kemistep+» hoof sanitizer. The evaluation of the effect of their application on the healing of purulent-necrotic ulcers of the finger tissues was carried out in two experimental groups of sick animals with purulent-necrotic ulcers of the hoof crumb tissues of 7 heads each. In the first experimental group of animals, the first experimental sample of the ointment was applied, in the second - the second experimental sample. According to the results of scientific studies, it was found that the use of collagen ointment with the disinfectant «Kemistep+» on purulent-necrotic ulcers of crumb contributed to a decrease in their number. The epithelization index in the second experimental group compared to the first experimental group indicated a more positive effect of the use of collagen ointment with the disinfectant «Kemistep+» on the healing of purulent-necrotic ulcers of the finger tissues in cows than similar applications of the collagen analogue of the ointment «Levomekol».

16S rRNA-based amplicon analysis of changes in the bacterial population in the lesions of papillomatous digital dermatitis in dairy cattle after topical treatment with allyl isothiocyanate

Papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) is a foot disease causing lameness in dairy cattle. It is regarded as a polymicrobial infection, although its etiology is not fully understood. PDD is treated by the topical or systemic administration of antibiotics such as lincomycin (LCM); however, the milk of the cows cannot be marketed during the treatment and withdrawal period due to the residual antibiotics in milk. Allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), an extract of Wasabia japonica (known as wasabi or Japanese horseradish) widely employed as a food additive, can be used as an alternative antimicrobial agent that overcomes this problem. We previously showed that AITC is as effective as LCM in PDD treatment. Here, using the samples obtained in the previous clinical study, we analyzed changes in the bacterial population in the PDD-associated microbiota after AITC treatment and compared those with that following LCM treatment by 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA)-based amplicon analysis. Both treatments induced major changes in the bacterial population, and Treponema species, which have been regarded as the major causative agents of PDD, were efficiently eliminated by both agents. However, the AITC-treated samples exhibited higher diversity compared with pretreatment samples, but this trend was not observed for LCM treatment, probably reflecting different antibacterial activities of the two agents. Importantly, this analysis detected population changes before morphological changes in PDD lesions (clinical signs of healing) became evident, indicating that 16S rRNA-based amplicon analysis represents an efficient strategy for analyzing and monitoring the treatment efficiency of PDD as well as other polymicrobial diseases.

Randomised clinical trial showing the curative effect of bandaging on M2-stage lesions of digital dermatitis in dairy cows

Objectives and design

This trial evaluated the effect of bandaging of acute painful ulcerative bovine digital dermatitis (DD) lesion (stage M2) in dairy cows, tested using two different topical treatments.

Design

Randomised clinical trial.

Setting

This study was conducted using Holstein-Friesian cows ranging in age from heifers to fourth lactation in a single dairy herd and diagnosed with acute ulcerative DD lesions (stage M2) on the first examination (week 0). Cows were randomly assigned into either a non-bandaged or bandaged group across two treatment conditions: topical chlortetracycline spray (CTC) and Intra Hoof-Fit Gel (IHF). Lesions received standardised bandaging and treatment on a weekly basis. Unhealed lesions could receive up to five repeated treatments, at weekly intervals, within a four-week period. Both M-stage and locomotion were also evaluated and scored weekly. Cows with healthily formed skin (stage M0) were deemed healed and subsequently released from the study.

Results

In total, 163 M2 lesions were diagnosed at week 0. Bandaged M2 lesions had a significantly higher probability of cure than non-bandaged lesions regardless of treatment type (HR: 4.1; P<0.001; 95 per cent CI: 2.5 to 6.8). Most healing occurred within the first three weeks of trial. Furthermore, bandaged lesions (group 2 and group 4) were significantly less likely to progress into the chronic hyperkeratotic or proliferative stage (M4) than non-bandaged lesions in group 1 and group 3 (HR: 0.10; P<0.001; 95 per cent CI: 0.04 to 0.22). Out of concern for the cow’s wellbeing, this study investigated the effects of bandaging on locomotion. Bandaging had no effect on locomotion for either cows treated with CTC (group 1: median Sprecher score, 2; IQR=1–2; group 2: median Sprecher score, 2; IQR=1–3; P=0.3) or IHF (group 3: median Sprecher score, 2; IQR=1–2; group 4: median Sprecher score, 2; IQR=1–3; P=0.3).

Combination effect of allyl isothiocyanate and hoof trimming on bovine digital dermatitis

Digital Dermatitis is a localized infectious dermatitis caused by Treponema-like spirochetes. Antibiotics, such as lincomycin, are currently used for treatment, but their use imposes a withdrawal period. This study investigated the therapeutic effect of topical application of the natural component allyl isothiocyanate, in combination with maintenance hoof trimming, on bovine Digital Dermatitis. Study cows were divided into two groups, the Trimming Group and Non-Trimming Group. The day when allyl isothiocyanate was applied, along with hoof trimming, was set as Day 0. Lesion scores, pain, and the presence of Treponema-like spirochetes on the surface of hooves and in biopsy samples of the tissues were evaluated until Day 6. Both groups showed improvement of lesion scores and improved elimination of Treponema-like spirochetes from within the tissues. The presence of Treponema-like spirochetes on the surface of lesions was significantly higher in the Non-Trimming Group by Day 6. These results suggest that allyl isothiocyanate has therapeutic effects on Digital Dermatitis, when combined with hoof trimming, and may prevent a relapse of dermatitis and a re-infection of Treponema-like spirochetes.