[Incidence, history and clinical findings of tibial neuropathy in German Holstein cows].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE\nThe aim of this study was to document the occurrence, history, and clinical findings of tibial neuropathy in German Holstein dairy cows in order to yield information regarding the importance and etiology of this disorder in dairy herds in Central Germany.\n\n\nMATERIALS AND METHODS\nThis prospective study was undertaken between January 2013 and October 2017 and included 88\u2005German Holstein dairy cows with unilateral (UTN, n\u2005=\u200571) or bilateral (n\u2005=\u200517, BTN) tibial neuropathy. Data were collected from the history as well as the clinical and laboratory examinations. Three grades of paresis were defined.\n\n\nRESULTS\nThe percentage of cows with tibial neuropathy among all German Holstein dairy cows presented with disorders of the locomotor system in the study period amounted to 2.2\u2005%. UTN was seen predominantly following dystocia or as a result of prolonged lateral recumbency in consequence to a primary disease. The majority of cases of BTN occurred in association with the resumption of cyclicity following calving. These were accompanied by clinical signs of a cauda equina syndrome. Increased plasma activities of creatine kinase (UTN 98\u2005%; BTN 100\u2005%) and aspartate aminotransferase (UTN 89\u2005%; BTN 100\u2005%) were observed in nearly all affected cows.\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nTibial neuropathy is a regularly occurring disorder in dairy herds in Central Germany. The condition results in pain and locomotor impairment and therefore constitutes a welfare concern. UTN and BTN have different causes, and the history combined with clinical signs (severity of paresis) provides etiological information. Increased enzymatic activities suggest a muscular involvement in the disease process.