Anti-Müllerian hormone: A novel biomarker for detecting bovine freemartinism

The anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) indicates ovarian reserve in cattle, maintaining a consistent trajectory post-puberty. In heterosexual pregnancies, the development of the Müllerian duct in female foetuses is inhibited, resulting in an anticipated minimal or absent ovarian reserve capacity. This investigation aimed to compare AMH levels in healthy Holstein heifers that had reached puberty with those of freemartin animals of the same breed and age. The study incorporated Holstein heifers reaching puberty between 11 and 15 months of age in Group 1 (G1, n = 20) and freemartin animals in Group 2 (G2, n = 19, 16). AMH measurements (AMH-1/AMH-2) were recorded at 12-day intervals for the study participants. Notably, AMH levels in three freemartin animals could not be detected, prompting statistical analysis based on measurements from the remaining 16 freemartin animals in G2. A statistically significant correlation was observed between two separate measurements in G1 and G2 (p < .001). Furthermore, AMH-1 and AMH-2 levels were statistically higher in G1 than in G2 (p < .001). In G1, AMH-1 levels ranged from 227 to 677 pg/mL, with an average of 367.3 ± 25.5 pg/mL, and AMH-2 levels ranged from 234 to 645 pg/mL, with an average of 380.8 ± 24.4 pg/mL. Conversely, in G2, AMH-1 levels ranged from 10 to 72 pg/mL, with an average of 26.8 ± 4.44 pg/mL, and AMH-2 levels ranged from 12 to 68 pg/mL, with an average of 28.75 ± 4.18 pg/mL. The mean AMH levels in G1 were approximately 14 times higher than in G2 (p < .001). Consequently, ROC analysis utilizing AMH-1 and AMH-2 data established cut-off values of ≤72 and ≤ 68 pg/mL respectively for distinguishing freemartin animals. In conclusion, AMH could be used as a reliable biomarker for identifying Holstein freemartin animals.

Evaluation of serum anti-Müllerian hormone concentrations following treatment with vitamin D in Holstein Friesian heifers

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in the blood of dairy cattle are associated with the count of antral follicles (AFC), ovarian function. Numerous studies, particularly in human medicine, have shown that vitamin D3 (Vit D3) has a positive effect on AMH levels. To our knowledge, the effects of Vit D3 on serum AMH levels in heifers have not been investigated. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the concentrations of serum AMH in dairy heifers following Vit D3 treatment. The study included 20 healthy non-pregnant Holstein Friesian heifers. These animals came to estrus at least once. All heifers received a single intramuscular dosage of 5 million IU Vit D3 (Cholecalciferol). Blood samples were collected from the coccygeal veins of all animals before and after Vit D3 injection (days 7, 14, and 28) for the measurement of AMH and 25(OH)D concentrations. In our analysis, we observed that after exogenous Vit D3 administration, circular 25(OH)D increased constantly (up to day 28 after Vit D3 injection) in all animals. On day 28, AMH concentrations saw a 10% increase in comparison with those measured the day before the Vit D3 injection. However, a comparison of AMH concentrations measured across days did not reveal statistically significant differences between Day 0, 7, 14, and 28 levels (p = .10). Furthermore, no statistical correlation was observed between the pairs (age-AMH) and (weight-AMH). Considering all times, no correlation was found between 25(OH)D and blood AMH levels. These findings demonstrated that exogenous Vit D3 did not affect serum AMH in Holstein Friesian heifers.

[Comparison of different resuscitation methods for newborn calves after dystocia]

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the use of hand-powered vacuum pumps and the suspension by the hind legs within the scope of resuscitating newborn dystocial calves.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

For this study, data were collected from 60 dystocial calves of different breeds. Various reanimation methods were employed to these calves immediately after birth. In group I (n=20), the hand-powered vacuum pump from HK-Rheintechnik (Neuwied, Deutschland) was used to remove mucus and amniotic fluid from the respiratory tract. In group II (n=20), the McCulloch Medical (Elmwood, England) hand-powered vacuum pump was used to remove mucus and amniotic fluid from the respiratory tract. In group III (n=20) 10 to 12 liters of cold water were poured over the neck of 20 calves immediately after birth. In addition, the calves were suspended by the hind legs via a gate or a pole, so that the head hung downwards vertically. The calves' Time to Sternal Recumbency (T-SR) of the calves was measured following the different resuscitation procedures in order to assess their vitality. In addition, the calves were examined segmentally at one-hour post natum. Furthermore, the calves were examined clinically on the seventh day of life. In addition, we investigated whether confounding variables such as calf sex, dam parity, obstetric intervention, and the season affected T-SR.

RESULTS

T-SR ranged from 1.5 to 10.5 minutes. There was no difference between the three initial treatment procedures (p=0.07). However, the T-SR of calves treated with a hand-powered vacuum pump tended to be shorter. No statistically significant difference between the pulse rates (p=0.73), respiratory rates (p=0.13), and rectal temperature (p=0.65) of the animals in the three groups on the first and seventh day of life was evident. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of the diseases up to the seventh day of life between the individual study groups.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The present study was able to show that the use of hand-powered vacuum pumps is at least equivalent to suspending calves. When using hand-powered vacuum pumps, the girth of the muzzle must be taken into account, as this can limit their utility.

Effect of uterine torsion intrapartum on concentrations of placental estrogens and progesterone in cattle

OBJECTIVE

The current study investigates how uterine torsion influences placental oestrogens and progesterone blood concentrations in intrapartum cows. Our research tests the hypothesis that intrapartum uterine torsion impairs the ability of the placenta to synthesize steroids and may also suppress the release of synthesized steroids into the maternal circulation.

METHODS

The study included a total number of 37 intrapartum dairy cows of various breeds and ages. These animals were transported to our clinic by their owners. Furthermore, general and obstetrical examinations of all these animals were performed in our clinic. The uterine torsion (UT) group consisted of 20 animals. The presence of UT was verified during clinical general examinations by vaginal and transrectal examination. The comparison (C) group included 17 animals whose birth was undisturbed or could be terminated with moderate obstetrical assistance. The clinical examination of group C animals showed no problems with their general health and genital organs. Blood samples were collected immediately after the initial obstetrical examination from 37 cows for radioimmunological measurement of estradiol-17β (E2), free total estrogen (FTE), conjugated total estrogen (CTE), and progesterone (P4).

RESULTS

In terms of P4, there was no statistical difference between the two groups. For all estrogen parameters, however, concentrations were significantly lower in the UT group than in the C group. In the correlation analysis, there was a significant correlation between the P4 and the FTE in the C group. Furthermore, the positive correlation between all estrogen parameters in the UT group was significant. In group C, significant positive correlations were found apart from the correlation between E2 and CTE.

CONCLUSIONS

The results are consistent with the hypothesis and suggest that in UT animals processes dependent on estrogens or other placental hormones may be impaired during the peri- or postpartum period.

Effect of a single meloxicam administration on newborn Holstein–Friesian dystocia calves: Field results from the first 10 days of life

Background and Aim: Calves have increased morbidity and mortality rates after dystocia. One cause is pain during birth, which reduces their colostrum intake. The administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may break this causality. This study aimed to determine the consequences of a single administration of the NSAID meloxicam to dystocia calves after birth. Materials and Methods: Fifty Holstein–Friesian calves born with dystocia from four dairy cattle farms were included in this study. The animals were randomized into two groups. The animals in Group I (n=25, treatment group) received subcutaneous 0.5 mg meloxicam/kg body weight 2-8 h after birth. The animals in Group II (n=25, control group) received a control substance (Amynin®, bovine infusion solution, Merial) with the same volume. The newborn calves were clinically examined on the 1st and 10th days of life. The information regarding the days in between was gathered by questioning the farmer. Results: There was a significant difference (p=0.04) only in calves with thin, mushy fecal consistency on the 10th day in the treatment group compared with the control group. Moreover, meloxicam had no effect on dystocia calves. Conclusion: Since NSAID administration did not produce a significant clinical effect, its necessity is questionable. Further studies should examine how modifying its application time would have an effect. The primary indicators of well-being, such as pain indicators in the blood, were not measured; however, these should be considered in subsequent studies.

[Administration of meloxicam to cows experiencing dystocia does not increase the incidence of retained placenta]

OBJECTIVE

The post partum use of analgesics in cows has increased in consequence to society's increased awareness of animal welfare. However, it is known that the post partum administration of a subset of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to cows may lead to an increased rate of retained placenta. Therefore, the aim of this study was clarify, whether a single administration of meloxicam to cows that experienced dystocia results in an increased rate of this disease.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study was conducted in 63 Holstein-Friesian cows in 4 farms with random allocation into 2 groups: In animals of the treatment group (n = 27) a single subcutaneous injection of meloxicam (0.5 mg/kg) was administered within 2-8 hours after calving. The animals of the control group (n = 36) received the same volume of a bovine infusion solution (Amynin^®, bovine infusion solution, Boehringer Ingelheim) subcutaneously. A clinical examination of the cows was performed on the day of parturition and on the 21st day post partum. Findings on the days in between were obtained by questioning of the farmers. The exact Fisher-test was calculated in order to test for statistical differences between the treatment and control groups.

RESULTS

In cows of the treatment group, retained placenta was not observed more frequently than in cows of the control group.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

A single administration of meloxicam to cows that experienced dystocia does not increase the incidence of retained placenta.

The effect of GnRH on the pregnancy ratio in low-yielding local race cows: comparison of different injection times

The objective of this article was to investigate the efficiency of GnRH administrations at different time points after induced luteolysis on pregnancy rates in low-yielding subfertile cows. One thousand six hundred and ten healthy and subfertile dairy cows of different ages and races were used in this study. Cows were randomly divided into 4 groups. Estrus cycles were synchronized by two, with 11-day intervals, injections of the prostaglandin F2α-analogue (PG). The artificial inseminations (AIs) of all animals were achieved at the 72nd and 96th hours following the last PG injection. The animals in groups I (n 257), II (n 337), and III (n 675) were used for the administration of a single dose of GnRH at different time points. Accordingly, GnRH was applied at 48th, 64th, and 72nd hours following the last PG injection in groups I, II, and III, respectively. Group IV was accepted as a control without GnRH injection (n 341). The pregnancy rates in groups I, II, III, and IV after transrectal pregnancy examinations were found to be 89.88%, 91.09%, 83.25%, and 77.12%, respectively. In our study, maximal pregnancy rates could be obtained with GnRH injections performed at 48th and 64th hours following luteolysis induction (P < 0.001). There was a 6-8% decrease in pregnancy rates due to the injection of GnRH in the 72nd hour (P < 0.001). These dramatic losses and gains in pregnancy rates in our study emphasized the necessity of taking the time of injection into account when using GnRH to stimulate ovulation. It can be said that the success of GnRH stimulation of ovulation is directly related to the follicle wave dynamics at the time of injection point and the character of a dominant follicle.

Sonographische Verlaufsuntersuchungen an trächtigen Hündinnen – ein Beitrag zur Bedeutung der Fruchtresorption beim Hund

Gegenstand: Sonographische Verlaufuntersuchungen an trächtigen Hündinnen zur Evaluierung von Häufigkeit und Bedeutung des Fruchtverlustes. Material und Methoden: Bei 39 Kangalhündinnen wurden vom 15. bis zum letzten Tag der Gravidität täglich die Fruchtanlagen/Feten ultrasonographisch gezählt und die Vitalität der Embryonen/Feten beurteilt. Ergebnisse: Bei fünf Hündinnen (12,8%) war die Resorption von Embryonen nachweisbar, wobei in einem Fall eine Resorption aller Fruchtanlagen vorlag. Bei vier Hündinnen wurde ein Fetaltod dokumentiert, der mit einem Totalverlust des Wurfes einherging. Nach dem ersten Hinweis auf embryonalen Tod ließen sich noch über durchschnittlich 8,6 ± 0,5 Tage Fruchtkammern nachweisen. Die Anzahl der Embryonen differierte bei Hündinnen mit (10,8 ± 1,8) und ohne Resorption (8,2 ± 2,1) statistisch signifikant (p < 0,05). Dagegen konnte hinsichtlich der Embryonenzahl kein signifikanter Unterschied zwischen Hündinnen ohne embryonale Resorption (8,2 ± 2,1) und Tieren mit fetalem Tod (9,5 ± 1,3) festgestellt werden (p > 0,05). Eine Beziehung zwischen Wurfgröße und Trächtigkeitsdauer ließ sich nicht nachweisen (r = 0,15; p > 0,05). Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz: Aufgrund der Ergebnisse wird die Hypothese aufgestellt, dass die Resorption von Fruchtanlagen ein Schutzmechanismus vor einer zu großen Wurfgröße darstellt.

Postpartum uterus involution observed by real-time ultrasound scanning and vaginal cytology in Van cats

OBJECTIVES

The objective was to investigate postpartum uterus involution by real-time ultrasonography and vaginal cytology in Van cats.

METHODS

This study included 15 healthy Van cats belonging to the Van Cat Research Centre (Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey). Starting 24 h postpartum, ultrasonographic measurements were performed on the placental and interplacental uterine horn regions every day. Decreases in the diameters and uterine content were considered as criteria for uterine involution. Vaginal discharge samples were collected every day for 4 weeks postpartum. The smears were stained with Papanicolaou stain.

RESULTS

The average diameters of placental and interplacental regions (IPRs) in the uterine horns were 3.12 ± 0.29 cm and 2.36 ± 0.43 cm, respectively, at 24 h postpartum. Placental regions (PRs) shrank faster than IPRs. At 48 h postpartum, it became difficult to distinguish PRs from IPRs in the uterine horns. The uterine horns could be seen in the abdominal cavity up to 5.60 ± 0.99 days postpartum. The mean of the last assessable diameter of the uterine horns from days 4 to 7 in all cats was 0.49 ± 0.07 cm. The vaginal epithelial cells appeared to be under the effect of oestrogen for 4 weeks postpartum.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The morphological involution of the uterus completes, to a large extent, within the first 48 h postpartum in Van cats. A more detailed hormonal analysis would contribute greatly to the understanding of the physiological processes involved in this period. Although postpartum involution appeared complete by 5.60 ± 0.99 days after parturition in Van cats, histological verification of this finding is needed.

[Vulval hypoplasia in an alpaca cria - first case report in Germany]

This is the first German case report of an alpaca cria suffering from a congenital vulvahypoplasia. Symptoms, diagnostics and therapy are described. The 24-hours-old cria was referred to the hospital due to reduced general condition and colic. The existent vulvahypoplasia led to impaired urination, causing further complications such as urovagina and urinary stasis up to the renal pelvis. Surgical construction of the rima vulvae cured the cria. As indicated by several cases published on the clinical picture of vulvahypoplasia during recent years, this congenital deformation could become an increasing problem in the alpaca population.

Vulvahypoplasie bei einem Alpakacria – Erstbeschreibung eines Falls in Deutschland

Es wird erstmals über die klinische Symptomatik, Diagnostik und Therapie der angeborenen Vulvahypoplasie bei einem Alpakafohlen in Deutschland berichtet. Das Cria war bei Aufnahme in die Klinik 24 Stunden alt und zeigte ein gestörtes Allgemeinbefinden und Kolik. Die Hypoplasie der Vulva führte zu einer Harnabsatzstörung, was Sekundärkomplikationen in Form einer Urovagina mit Harnstau bis in die Nierenbecken bedingte. Durch chirurgische Korrektur der Rima vulvae konnte das Tier geheilt werden. Da diese Erkrankung in den letzten Jahren in der Literatur vermehrt beschrieben wird, ist damit zu rechnen, dass die kongenitale Vulvahypoplasie beim Alpaka ein zunehmendes zuchthygienisches Problem darstellt.

Laboratory diagnostics in the urine of young and pregnant ewes

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify values for net acid base excretion (NABE) which are significant indicators of the acidbase equilibrium in pregnant and young ewes and to show its relationship with other parameters (base, acid, ammonium [NH4], base-acid quotient, sodium [Na], potassium [K], calcium [Ca]) in ovine urine. In contrast to dairy cows, data are rare on these parameters in ewes. Material and methods: A total of 99 animals were used in the study, consisting of 56 young (average of 5.6 ± 1.1 months) and 43 pregnant ewes (average of 35.2 ± 18.8 months). Measurement of fractional NABE in urine samples was carried out according to the method reported by Kutas. The pH value of the urine was measured with a laboratory pH meter. Na, K and total Ca were measured with a flame photometer. Results: For all values except Na significant differences occurred between urine samples of pregnant ewes and young ewes (p < 0.001). Base, acid, NH4, NABE, K and Ca values were significantly higher in the urine of the youngs than in pregnant ewes. In young ewes, a strong correlation was found between NABE and base values while a weak correlation could be observed between pH and base values. In pregnant ewes, strong NABE-base, NABE-K, K-acid and K-base correlations were found as well as weak NH4-base, NH4-NABE and NH4-K correlations. There was a strongly positive correlation between NABE and NH4 in pregnant ewes, while a weak negative correlation between those values was observed in young ewes. Conclusion: For the first time, we established values for NABE and certain other parameters in urine of pregnant ewes and young ewes. It was shown that the acid-base balance in pregnant ewes and young ewes can be evaluated by measuring NABE and certain trace elements in urine like in cattle.

Laboratory diagnostics in the urine of young and pregnant ewes

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to identify values for net acid base excretion (NABE) which are significant indicators of the acid-base equilibrium in pregnant and young ewes and to show its relationship with other parameters (base, acid, ammonium [NH4], base-acid quotient, sodium [Na], potassium [K], calcium [Ca]) in ovine urine. In contrast to dairy cows, data are rare on these parameters in ewes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 99 animals were used in the study, consisting of 56 young (average of 5.6±1.1 months) and 43 pregnant ewes (average of 35.2±18.8 months). Measurement of fractional NABE in urine samples was carried out according to the method reported by Kutas. The pH value of the urine was measured with a laboratory pH meter. Na, K and total Ca were measured with a flame photometer.

RESULTS

For all values except Na significant differences occurred between urine samples of pregnant ewes and young ewes (p<0.001). Base, acid, NH4, NABE, K and Ca values were significantly higher in the urine of the youngs than in pregnant ewes. In young ewes, a strong correlation was found between NABE and base values while a weak correlation could be observed between pH and base values. In pregnant ewes, strong NABE-base, NABE-K, K-acid and K-base correlations were found as well as weak NH4-base, NH4-NABE and NH4-K correlations. There was a strongly positive correlation between NABE and NH4 in pregnant ewes, while a weak negative correlation between those values was observed in young ewes.

CONCLUSION

For the first time, we established values for NABE and certain other parameters in urine of pregnant ewes and young ewes. It was shown that the acid-base balance in pregnant ewes and young ewes can be evaluated by measuring NABE and certain trace elements in urine like in cattle.

[Follow-up ultrasonographic examinations in pregnant bitches - evaluation of frequency and significance of embryo resorption]

OBJECTIVE

Follow-up ultrasonographic examinations in pregnant bitches to evaluate frequency and significance of embryo resorption.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In 39 Kangal bitches the number of gestational sacs was measured and vitality of embryos/fetuses was evaluated by real time ultrasonography daily from the 15th till the last day of gestation.

RESULTS

Five bitches (12.8%) showed embryonic resorption and one of these bitches exhibited a complete resorption. Fetal death could be observed in four females and was related to a total loss of the litter. After the first evidence of embryonic death gestational sacs remained detectable for 8.6±0.5days. The number of embryos of bitches with (10.8±1.8) or without embryo resorption (8.2±2.1) was statistically significantly different (p<0.05). On the other hand there was no statistically significant difference within the number of embryos of bitches suffering fetal death and bitches without embryo resorption (8.2±2.1) (p>0.05). A relationship between litter size and gestational length could not be verified (r=0.15; p>0.05).

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Due to these results the hypothesis is postulated that embryonic resorption is a kind of protective mechanism of the maternal organism against too large litter sizes.

Cervical leiomyoma in a dairy cow during pregnancy

In the present report we describe a case of cervical leiomyoma that was diagnosed at parturition in a Holstein cow. The tumor mass, which measured 25.5 cm x 21.5 cm x 14.5 cm in size and weighed 4.5 kg, was removed surgically. The tumor was solid, well circumscribed, whitish-pink colored, and encapsulated. The tumor was diagnosed as leiomyoma. The leiomyoma had no adverse effects on pregnancy. This is the first report of a bovine cervical leiomyoma during parturition.

True vaginal prolapse in a bitch

Frequently, vaginal fold prolapse is the protrusion of edematous vaginal tissue into and through the opening of the vulva occurring during proestrus and estrus stages of the sexual cycle. True vaginal prolapse may occur near parturition, as the concentration of serum progesterone declines and the concentration of serum oestrogen increases. In the bitch, this type of true vaginal prolapse is a very rare condition. This short communication describes a 5-year-old female, cross-breed dog in moderate condition, weighing 33 kg, with distocia and true vaginal prolapse. Abdominal palpation and transabdominal ultrasonography revealed live and dead foetuses in the uterine horns. One dead and four live fetuses were removed from uterus by cesarean section. The ovariohysterectomy was performed after repositioning the vaginal wall with a combination of traction from within the abdomen and external manipulation through the vulva. Re-occurrence of a vaginal prolapse was not observed and the bitch recovered completely after the surgical therapy. Compared to other vaginal disorders, vaginal prolapse is an uncommon condition in the bitch. In the present case, extreme tenesmus arising from distocia may have predisposed to the vaginal prolapse. The cause of dystocia was probably the disposition of the first foetus. We concluded that the vaginal prolapse was the result of dystocia in the present case.

[Short communication: ultrasonographic examination of the abomasal position in dairy cows during the peripartal period]

The objective of this study was to document the abomasal position during the peripartal period by ultrasonographic measurement to get more data about the topographic dynamic. In 12 dairy cows the abomasal position was measured daily from the 5th day before calving up to the 5th day after calving by a transabdominal ultrasonographic examination (5 MHz convex transducer). The abomasal position was described by means of 3 measured distances: (a) the distance between the cranial margin of the abomasum and the xiphoid cartilage, (b) the distance between the right margin of the abomasum and the median line and (c) the distance between the left margin of the abomasum and the median line. Prepartal the abomasal position was different from the position during the postpartal period. Its position was more cranially (p < 0.05) and more right laterally (p < 0.05). The left margin was not detectable at the left side of the mid-line ante partum. Directly after calving the left margin of the abomasum was found left of the linea alba (p < 0.05). These results show that there is a great influence of the gravid uterus on the abomasal position. The abomasum is positioned more cranially and more right lateral during the end of pregnancy. This position changes immediately after calving.

Number of follicular waves and their effect on pregnancy rate in the cow

In the study, the relationship of follicular growth waves, oestradiol and pregnancy rates were investigated during oestrus cycle in cows. A total of 22, Brown Swiss cows (3-5 years old) were used for the study. The ovaries of animals were examined from sixth day of cycle to next oestrus by ultrasound. The follicles that were present in the ovarium were recorded. Follicular growth was observed every day by means of ultrasound examination. The blood samples were taken for analysis of oestradiol simultaneously with ultrasound examinations. The oestrus animals were inseminated. Each animal that inseminated was examined by ultrasound on day 28 after insemination for pregnancy diagnosis. Two follicular growth waves were observed in nine of 22 (40.9%), three waves in 13 of 22 (59.1%) animals. The oestradiol was found in the same concentration but in different release patterns between two and three waves animals. Pregnancy rate in cows with three and two follicular waves did not differ. In conclusion, emergence of three waves of follicular growth was higher in Brown Swiss cows, the analysis of oestradiol could be used for determination of the wave numbers and the animals with different waves may have had the same pregnancy rates.

Untersuchungen zur Bestimmung des Harn-pH-Werts bei Milchkühen

Fragestellung: 1. Üben Kühlung, Lagerung und Tageszeit der Harnentnahme Einfluss auf die Ergebnisse der Harn-pHWert- Bestimmung bei der Milchkuh aus? 2. Kann anhand des Harn-pH-Werts intra partum eine Aussage über die aktuelle Kalzium- und Phosphatkonzentration im Blut sowie am zweiten Tag post partum gemacht werden? Material und Methode: Experiment 1: Bei 10 laktierenden Kühen wurde Katheterharn gewonnen und in drei bei unterschiedlichen Temperaturen (Raumtemperatur; 8 °C; –20 °C) gelagerte Fraktionen geteilt. In allen Proben wurde der pH-Wert direkt nach Entnahme, zwei, sechs, 12 und 24 Stunden später gemessen. Experiment 2: Bei 13 laktierenden Kühen wurde um 8.00, 12.00 und 16.00 Uhr Katheterharn entnommen, bei drei Kühen zusätzlich um 20.00, 24.00 und 4.00 Uhr, und unmittelbar nach der Entnahme der pH-Wert bestimmt. Experiment 3: Bei 12 Kühen mit Dystokie wurden im Rahmen der geburtshilflichen Untersuchung sowie zwei Tage später der Harn-pH-Wert und die Plasmakonzentrationen des ionisierten Kalziums und anorganischen Phosphats bestimmt. Ergebnisse: Experiment 1: Die Lagerungstemperatur und die Lagerungsdauer beeinflussten den pH-Wert signifikant. Es bestand ein signifikanter Unterschied zwischen den Messwerten sofort nach Entnahme und den späteren Zeitpunkten (p < 0,000). Experiment 2: Die Tageszeit hatte einen signifikanten Einfluss auf den Harn-pH-Wert. Es lagen signifikante Unterschiede zwischen 24.00 Uhr und 8.00 Uhr (p = 0,001) bzw. 12.00 Uhr (p = 0,004) und 16.00 Uhr (p = 0,005) vor. Experiment 3: Die Bestimmung des Harn-pH-Werts erlaubt keine Aussage zu den aktuellen Kalzium- und Phosphatkonzentrationen im Plasma sowie zu diesen Parametern zwei Tage post partum. Klinische Relevanz: Die mittleren Differenzen zwischen Harn-pH-Werten von Proben, die unterschiedlich lange und bei differenten Temperaturen gelagert oder zu unterschiedlichen Tageszeiten gewonnen werden, sind nur gering, wenn auch teilweise statistisch signifikant.

Vergleichende Studie zu diagnostischen Möglichkeiten bei Zitzenschleimhautläsionen des Rindes

Gegenstand der Untersuchung: Die Arbeit erfasste die Häufigkeit von Veränderungen der Zitzenzisternenschleimhaut und überprüfte vergleichend die Diagnoseverfahren Palpation, Sonographie und Endoskopie. Material und Methoden: 436 Zitzen von 109 aus unterschiedlichen Gründen geschlachteten Milchkühen typischer Niederungsrassen wurden palpatorisch, sonographisch und endoskopisch auf das Vorhandensein von Schleimhautläsionen untersucht. Nach Befundung erfolgte zur makroskopischen Untersuchung die Eröffnung der Zitzen in Längsrichtung. Bei Vorliegen von Auffälligkeiten schloss sich eine histopathologische Untersuchung an. Die Resultate der Diagnoseverfahren wurden basierend auf den Ergebnissen der makroskopischen und histopathologischen Untersuchungen vergleichend ausgewertet. Ergebnisse: In 38 Fällen (8,7%) fanden sich makroskopisch auffällige Befunde, die alle lediglich durch die Zitzenendoskopie via Strichkanal detektiert worden waren. Mit den beiden anderen Diagnoseverfahren ließen sich weitaus weniger Veränderungen diagnostizieren. Beim Vergleich der diagnostischen Aussagekraft der angewandten Untersuchungsmethoden zeigten sich die Endoskopie (p ≤ 0,001) und die Sonographie (p ≤ 0,0001) der Palpation deutlich überlegen. Ein statistisch abzusichernder Unterschied zwischen den Ergebnissen der Sonographie und denen der Endoskopie bestand nicht (p > 0,05). Die histopathologischen Befunde spiegelten weitgehend die Ergebnisse der drei Untersuchungsmethoden wider. Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz: Schleimhautveränderungen der Rinderzitze sind palpatorisch nicht ausreichend zu diagnostizieren. Bildgebende Verfahren (Sonographie/Endoskopie) erweitern das diagnostische Spektrum erheblich. Die Zitzensonographie reicht bei in der Zitzenzisterne gelegenen Veränderungen zur Beurteilung von Ausdehnung und Schweregrad meist aus, bei Läsionen im Bereich der Fürstenberg-Rosette oder des Strichkanals ist eine zusätzliche Zitzenendoskopie zu empfehlen. Basierend auf der eingehenden Befunderhebung ist so eine prognostische Einschätzung und die Festlegung eines geeigneten Therapieverfahrens möglich.