D. Michael Rings

Salmonellosis in Calves

Despite the efforts of both physicians and veterinarians, the number of cases of salmonellosis per year has held steady or risen. The ability of the organism to live in many different animal species and under inhospitable environmental conditions is likely responsible for Salmonellas prevalence today. Diverse clinical signs occur in salmonellosis; they range from unthriftiness to explosive, necrotizing diarrheas with high mortality. Secondary complications of pneumonia, bone and joint infections, and meningoencephalitis can result from calfhood infections. Treatment of enteric salmonellosis is chiefly aimed at maintaining fluid, acid-base, and electrolyte balance. Bacteremic or septicemic calves also require systemic antibiotics. The control measures for salmonellosis are based on sanitation and management. Individual calf hutches or pens provide adequate isolation if sufficient spacing and good sanitation are maintained. The Salmonella vaccines presently available provide limited protection; however, live vaccines made from auxotrophic strains of Salmonella appear to be more efficacious.

Umbilical Hernias, Umbilical Abscesses, and Urachal Fistulas: Surgical Considerations

Swellings of the umbilical stalk, with or without herniation, are common findings in calves. Differentiation of involved structures is helpful in deciding the surgical approach and type of anesthesia required. This article deals with clinical signs, diagnostic procedures, and surgical techniques used to repair problems related to the umbilical stalk.

Validation of a commercially available immunoassay for the measurement of bovine cardiac troponin I.

BACKGROUND Commercially available cardiac troponin I (cTnI) assays developed for use in humans have not yet been validated for use in cattle. HYPOTHESES The ADVIA Centaur TnI-Ultra immunoassay can be used for the detection of bovine cTnI. In healthy cattle, serum cTnI is undetectable or is present only in trace amounts. METHODS Purified bovine cTnI and cTnI-free bovine serum were used for the evaluation of assay performance including intra- and inter-assay precision, sensitivity, interference, linearity, and recovery. Effects of storage at 23, 4, -20, and -80 degrees C for 2 days, and at -20 and -80 degrees C for 7 and 14 days and repeated freeze-thaw cycles on recovery of cTnI were analyzed. Serum cTnI concentrations in 30 healthy dairy cows were determined. RESULTS Intra- and inter-assay precisions (mean +/- SD) were 4.48 +/- 2.26 and 13.36 +/- 6.59%, respectively. The assay demonstrated linearity at 0.5, 2, 15, and 30 ng/mL cTnI. Mean recovery was 100.81, 85.26, 87.72, and 114.42%, respectively. Skeletal muscle homogenate added to serum of known cTnI concentration did not alter the concentration of the analyte (P > .05). Concentration of cTnI significantly decreased when samples were stored at 4 and 23 degrees C for 2 days (P < .05). Repeated freeze-thaw cycles and storage at -20 degrees C for 7 days had no significant influence on cTnI concentration (P > .05). Serum cTnI concentration in healthy cattle was <or=0.03 ng/mL. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE ADVIA Centaur can be used reliably for the detection of serum cTnI concentration in cattle.

Surgical treatment of pleuritis and pericarditis

Surgery of the bovine chest is rarely attempted; however, there are distinct indications and procedures available to treat both pericarditis, suppurative pleuritis and pleural effusions. Open lavage of the pericardial sac or pleural space has proven successful in carefully selected cases. The surgical procedures for pericardiotomy and thoracotomy are discussed.

Outcome Following Surgical Correction of Abomasal Displacement in Lactating Dairy Cattle: A Retrospective Study of 127 Cases (1999-2010)

The objectives of this retrospective study were 1. To determine the effect of three surgical techniques (right flank omentopexy, right flank omentoabomasopexy, and left flank abomasopexy), and 2. To determine the effect of concurrent disease on return to normal milk production. Return to normal milk production occurred in 86.3% of cows diagnosed with LDA. Results suggested that cattle diagnosed with LDA corrected via right flank omentopexy or left flank abomasopexy were significantly more likely to return to normal milk production as compared to those corrected via right flank omentoabomasopexy (p<0.02). No significant difference in return to normal milk production was noted between surgical techniques for correction of RDA (p=1.000) and right abomasal volvulus (p=0.596). Concurrent disease diagnoses did not affect return to milk production. Reported complications were infrequent (n=11).