Erste Fälle von oviner dilatativer Kardiomyopathie in der Schweiz

Gegenstand und Ziel: Beschreibung einer bislang noch nicht aufgetretenen Kardiomyopathie beim Schaf. Material und Methoden: In den Jahren 1990 bis 1997 gelangten in der Schweiz fünf Schafe im Alter von einem Monat bis sechs Jahren mit einer primären dilatativen Kardiomyopathie zur Untersuchung. Ergebnisse: Im Vordergrund standen massive subkutane Ödeme, Kardiomegalie, Lungenödem und eine chronische venöse, kardial bedingte Stauungshyperämie und -sklerose der Leber. Charakteristisch war histologisch eine globale transmurale interstitielle Fibrose und Hypertrophie. Schlussfolgerungen: Eine dekompensierte Herzinsuffizienz endet stets fatal. Es besteht eine ungünstige Prognose, eine Behandlung ist nicht möglich. Die Abklärung einer familiären Disposition dieser Herzerkrankung steht noch aus. Klinische Relevanz: Bei Schafen mit Herzerkrankungen sollte die dilatative Kardiomyopathie differenzialdiagnos- tisch berücksichtigt werden.

The locus for bovine dilated cardiomyopathy maps to chromosome 18

Bovine dilated cardiomyopathy (BDCMP) is a severe and terminal disease of the heart muscle observed in Holstein-Friesian cattle over the last 30 years. There is strong evidence for an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance for BDCMP. The objective of this study was to genetically map BDCMP, with the ultimate goal of identifying the causative mutation. A whole-genome scan using 199 microsatellite markers and one SNP revealed an assignment of BDCMP to BTA18. Fine-mapping on BTA18 refined the candidate region to the MSBDCMP06-BMS2785 interval. The interval containing the BDCMP locus was confirmed by multipoint linkage analysis using the software loki. The interval is about 6.7 Mb on the bovine genome sequence (Btau 3.1). The corresponding region of HSA19 is very gene-rich and contains roughly 200 genes. Although telomeric of the marker interval, TNNI3 is a possible positional and a functional candidate for BDCMP given its involvement in a human form of dilated cardiomyopathy. Sequence analysis of TNNI3 in cattle revealed no mutation in the coding sequence, but there was a G-to-A transition in intron 6 (AJ842179:c.378+315G>A). The analysis of this SNP using the study's BDCMP pedigree did not conclusively exclude TNNI3 as a candidate gene for BDCMP. Considering the high density of genes on the homologous region of HSA19, further refinement of the interval on BTA18 containing the BDCMP locus is needed.

[Pilot project for eradicating maedi-visna in Walliser blacknose sheep]

Maedi-Visna is a lentiviral disease of sheep with a worldwide distribution. The transmission of the virus occurs primarily via colostrum and milk from the infected ewe to its newborn lamb but also horizontally between sheep. The most obvious clinical symptoms are progressive dyspnea and emaciation. In this prospective study an eradication based on serological testing and removing of seropositive animals was performed in 24 flocks of sheep of the breed "Walliser Schwarznasenschafe" leading to a reduction of the seroprevalence from 36% to 1% within two years. The control group consisted of 21 flocks of sheep. Lambs of seropositive ewes had a 7.6 times higher risk to seroconvert within their first two years of life compared to those of seronegative ewes. The dynamics of the spread of the infection were studied in birth cohort groups. Cohort animals of seropositive ewes showed an obvious trend to seroconvert slowly. Seropositive ewes had a significantly lower reproduction rate and their lambs suffered from significantly higher death and lower growth rates, probably due to a reduced milk production, resulting in economic losses.

[Diagnosis and therapy of the rupture of both cruciate ligaments, the medial collateral ligament and abscission of both menisci in a ram. A case report]

This report describes the case history of a 1.5-year-old ram admitted to the Clinic for Food Animals and Horses, University of Berne, Switzerland, because of an acute severe lameness of the left rear limb. Clinical and radiographic examination revealed disruption of the stifle joint with rupture of both cruciate ligaments, the medial collateral ligament, and disruption of both menisci from their attachments. The ruptured ligaments were replaced by synthetic ligament prostheses. Long-term examination at 12 months after implantation revealed slight instability of the stifle joint, caused by degeneration of the medial meniscus, and signs of arthrosis deformans. The new formed periarticular connective tissue contributed to the stability of the stifle joint, so that a good functional result was achieved. Necropsy findings at 14 months after implantation confirmed that the synthetic ligament prostheses were intact and the medial meniscus was detached from its insertion and incorporated into the joint capsule. At microscopic examination of the synthetic band prosthesis, ingrowth of collagen and fibrous tissue was evident.

Evidence for autosomal recessive inheritance of a major gene for bovine dilated cardiomyopathy

The objective of this study was to establish the mode of inheritance of bovine dilated cardiomyopathy (BDCMP). We analyzed a pedigree comprising 75 animals in three age classes and five diagnostic classes based on clinical and pathological findings using the Pedigree Analysis Package. Segregation analyses were performed under three models, a major gene model, a mixed model, and an environment model. Under each model three data sets were analyzed. In the first data set, only animals with clinically manifested BDCMP were considered affected; in the second data set, animals with no clinical findings but with strong pathological evidence were included in the group of affected animals; and in the third data set, this group was extended to include animals that were suspected of having BDCMP. For all three data sets, a recessive allele at a single biallelic major locus controlling the underlying liability fitted the data best. Based on Akaike's information criterion, the major gene model was the most efficient model in all data sets. We conclude that a single biallelic major locus is likely responsible for the disease.

Detection of alpha- and epsilon-toxigenic Clostridium perfringens type D in sheep and goats using a DNA amplification technique (PCR)

Clostridium perfringens isolated from sheep and goat with enterotoxaemia at necropsy and from healthy animals at slaughter were typed using specific PCR assays for the detection of the alpha-, beta- and epsilon-toxin genes. Clostridium perfringens isolated from all 52 animals with pathological signs of enterotoxaemia showed the presence of the alpha- and epsilon-toxin genes but were devoid of the beta-toxin gene. These strains could therefore be identified as type D, characteristic for clostridial enterotoxaemia of sheep, lambs and goats. In contrast, Cl. perfringens isolated from 11 of 13 healthy animals only contained the alpha-toxin gene which is typical for type A. Two of the healthy animals contained Cl. perfringens with the alpha- and epsilon-toxin genes. However, when several individual Cl. perfringens colonies were analysed from each of these two animals, only a small percentage was found to contain the epsilon-toxin gene, whereas the majority of the colonies were of type A with the alpha-toxin gene only. This is in contrast to the findings from the diseased animals which contained practically only type D Cl. perfringens. The beta-toxin gene was not found in any Cl. perfringens isolate from goat and sheep. Comparison of the PCR data with results obtained by the classical biological toxin assay using the mouse model showed a good correlation.

[Occurrence of white liver dis in lambs in Switzerland]

The white liver disease was first observed in the canton of Berne in 1985. Until 1995 we could observe the outbreak of the disease in seven flocks. The first clinical signs were anorexia, then delayed growth, weight loss and finally cachexy. The animals showed photosensitivity on ears, eyelids and nose. A hematological and blood biochemical examination revealed a mild normochrome, normocytic anemia as well as a significant elevation of GGT and a mild elevation of AST values. By examining the swollen grey-white to yellow livers histologically we could find a mostly pronounced, primarily panacinar, degenerative fatty degeneration of the liver, ceroid pigment in the macrophages, biliary hyperplasia as well as a secondary periportal hepatitis.

[Cerebral listeriosis in cattle: literature review and retrospective analysis of individual cases]

Between 1990 and 1994, 89 cattle with signs of affection of the central nervous system were referred to the Clinic for Food Animals and Horses, University of Bern; in 17 cases of which, cerebral listeriosis was diagnosed. History, clinical, hematologic findings and cerebrospinal fluid analysis at admission were evaluated retrospectively. Four cattle were slaughtered after cerebral listeriosis had been diagnosed clinically because of economic reasons. Therapy, consisting of administration of penicillin (i.m./i.v.), intravenous fluids (including bicarbonate replacement), and oral fluids and rumen juice was initiated in the remaining 13 cases. Five of the 13 cattle were refractory to treatment and had to be euthanatized, one to two days after initiation of therapy. Clinical diagnosis of cerebral listeriosis was confirmed by histological examination of brain stem tissue in all nine cattle that were slaughtered or euthanatized; however, Listeria monocytogenes was isolated by standard culturing of brain stem tissue in two of these cases only. Eight to 62 months after discharge from the clinic, telephone interview with the owners of the surviving animals revealed that recovery had been uneventful and satisfactory in all of the eight cases.

[Frequency and etiology of calf losses and calf diseases in cow-calf farms. I. Methods of data collection, calf mortality, and calf morbidity]

An observational study was initiated to provide general information on calf health and estimates of frequency and of economic impact of calf diseases in farms with extensive beef production. The study was planned as a cohort study and included all calves born during the calving season of 1993/94 in 105 cow-calf farms in western Switzerland. The total preweaning mortality was 8.5% (123 calves out of 1452 calvings); 2.5% of the calves were stillborn, and 6.0% died or were euthanized before weaning. Forty-four percent of all losses were recorded in the perinatal period (i.e. the first 48 hours p. p.). The average preweaning mortality among liveborn calves at farm level was 6.1%. A large variation in mortality was observed from farm to farm (0-50%). In 50% of the post mortem analyses, respiratory disease was diagnosed as the cause of death. Twenty-two percent of all calves were treated at least once by a veterinarian. Thirty-six percent of all treatments were performed because of diarrhea, 26% because of respiratory disease and 15% because of umbilical problems. From birth to weaning age, the average treatment costs including calving assistance, medication and prophylactic measures were SFr, 23.80 per calf.

[Clinical findings and pathology of congenital polycystic renal disease in the goat]

The clinical and pathomorphological findings of the spongy (cases 1, 2 and 3) and large-vacuol polycystic kidney disease in four kids are presented. The age of the goats ranged from one week to three months. In case 1 clinical examination including laboratory testing was performed, whereas in cases 2, 3 and 4 only the kidneys were available. Based upon the neurological examination a forebrain lesion was localized in case 1. Laboratory examinations revealed an azotemia and uremic encephalopathy was suspected. Gross pathology demonstrated bilateral polycystic kidneys and proliferation and ectasy of the intrahepatic choledochus system. Histopathology of the brain showed multiple alterations, such as malacia, edema, inflammation and a hemorrhagic area. As in other species, a genetical background of the disease is suspected because the twin of case 1 demonstrated similar symptoms.

[Reference values of electrodiagnostic and laboratory studies in young Wallis Schwarzhals goats]

Laboratory testing in 10 "Walliser Schwarzhals"-goats included red and white blood cell count, electrolytes, liver enzymes, trace elements and urinalysis, protein determination and cell count of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was also performed. Electrodiagnostic testing included electromyography (EMG) of the head and spinal muscles, motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) of the right and left peroneal nerve, brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP) and electroencephalography (EEG). MNCV of the peroneal nerve was 72 +/- 9.24 m/s. Latency and amplitude of the BAEP for P1 was 2.15 +/- 0.08 ms respectively 2.23 +/- 0.7 microV and for P5 5.09 +/- 0.15 ms respectively 0.68 +/- 0.24 microV. P2 (3.2 +/- 0.14 ms/1.37 +/- 0.32 microV) and P3 (3.9 +/- 0.13 ms/0.84 +/- 0.14 microV) were equally distributed between P1 and P5. Whereas the results of EMG and BAEP were similar to those of other species, the electroencephalographic findings consisted of three different patterns depending on duration and depth of isofluran anesthesia. Pattern I had a rhythmic high amplitude (80 microV) and low frequency (1-2 Hz) pattern with aperiodic intervals of relative electric silence. Pattern II was characterized by increased duration of HALF (150 microV), associated with spindles of low amplitude (20-30 microV) and high frequency (10 Hz). Pattern III had generalized delta-activity of high amplitude (70-200 microV). All the results are discussed briefly.

[Clinical and pathologico-anatomic findings in a leiomyosarcoma of the jejunum of a sheep]

This paper describes a leiomyosarcoma found in the distal part of the jejunum of a 7 year old, East Friesian dairy sheep. The animal showed a progressive emaciation during 3 months, leucocytosis, neutrophilia, relative lymphocytopenia and increased levels of serum urea. On histology, the tumor was characterized by anaplasia, cellular and nuclear polymorphism and also by regressive processes and local invasion. Characteristic features such as numerous mitotic figures and giant cells were also observed.

[Congenital cavernous hemangioma in a brown Swiss calf, a rare oral blastoma. Case report]

A congenital cavernous hemangioma was found in the pars incisiva of a newborn Brown-Swiss calf. The tumour was characterized by locally invasive and destructive growth. Histopathological investigation showed a tumour that could be clearly distinguished from a capillary hemangioma as well as from a malignant hemangioendothelioma.

[First description of a desmoid tumor in a goat and comparative observations to human fibromatosis. Case report]

The macroscopical, histological, and ultrastructural aspects of the abdominal and extra-abdominal desmoid tumour are reported in a 1 1/2-year old goat (breed: Nera-Verzasca, Tessin mountain goat). Macroscopically, the disease was characterized by glassy, whitish, very hard, plate-forming masses found in the abdominal wall and in the medial aspect of the upper hind limbs. Histologically, the masses consisted of well differentiated fibroblasts which locally infiltrated the surrounding tissues. No capsule formation was found. On electron microscopy, the cells appeared to be active, young, collagen-producing fibroblasts. The pathogenesis of this disease is unknown.

[Oral aspergillosis in a goat--a stomatologic problem. Case report]

This report describes a case of chronic and granulomatous proliferation in the lower jaw of a six-year-old female Saanen goat due to Aspergillae spp. Within the granulomatous lesion, foreign body and Langhans type giant cells were present in addition to the common granuloma components, such as lymphocytes, epithelioid cells and fibroblasts. Hyphae with a configuration typical of Aspergillae spp. could be demonstrated within the lesions by the use of special stains. The prognosis of this disease in the advanced stage is poor.

[Functional pyloric stenosis in sheep]

The clinical findings, the autopsy and the histology of functional pyloric stenosis in three sheep between four and eight years old are described. A chronic ulcer with structural alterations of the pyloric protuberance was found in the first animal. In the second sheep there were several polyps in the pylorus, and in the third erosions throughout the whole pylorus, and a few hyperplastic areas of epithelium at the junction between pylorus and duodenum. The abomasum was moderately to extremely congested and the contents weighed between 6.7 and 13 kg. In addition to these findings chronic and unspecific abomaso-duodenitis was found in all three sheep. These three cases can be attributed to the distal functional pyloric stenosis (Hoflund syndrome).

[Chlamydia infections in sheep and goats. With a reference to its significance as a zoonosis]

Infections by Chlamydia psittaci are found worldwide in many species of mammal, including man, and birds. Small ruminants are affected mainly with abortion in the later phase of gestation. Additionally pneumonia and lesions in other organs can be observed. Pathological and clinico-epidemiological aspects of the infection with C. psittaci in small ruminants are described and discussed. The description of a case of conjunctivitis acquired by one of the authors through contact with infectious material alerts to the significance of C. psittaci as an agent able to cause zoonotic infections.

Cutaneous lymphosarcoma of helper/inducer T-cell origin in a calf

A calf with a lymphoproliferative disease resembling human mycosis fungoides, had multiple, ulcerated skin nodules with enlarged regional lymph nodes. Tumor cells were 10-15 micron in diameter and had round to oval nuclei without indentations. Mitoses were regularly present. Pautrier's microabscesses were in the epidermis, and T-cell areas of regional lymph nodes were infiltrated by neoplastic cells. Demonstration of the T-helper/inducer origin of neoplastic lymphocytes suggested classification in analogy with human mycosis fungoides.