D. Pravettoni

Spinal epidural abscess in two calves.

OBJECTIVE To report clinical signs, diagnostic and surgical or necropsy findings, and outcome in 2 calves with spinal epidural abscess (SEA). STUDY DESIGN Clinical report. ANIMALS Calves (n=2). METHODS Calves had neurologic examination, analysis and antimicrobial culture of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), vertebral column radiographs, myelography, and in 1 calf, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A definitive diagnosis of SEA was confirmed by necropsy in 1 calf and during surgery and histologic examination of vertebral canal tissue in 1 calf. RESULTS Clinical signs were difficulty in rising, ataxia, fever, apparent spinal pain, hypoesthesia, and paresis/plegia which appeared 15 days before admission. Calf 1 had pelvic limb weakness and difficulty standing and calf 2 had severe ataxia involving both thoracic and pelvic limbs. Extradural spinal cord compression was identified by myelography. SEA suspected in calf 1 with discospondylitis was confirmed at necropsy whereas calf 2 had MRI identification of the lesion and was successfully decompressed by laminectomy and SEA excision. Both calves had peripheral neutrophilia and calf 2 had neutrophilic pleocytosis in CSF. Bacteria were not isolated from CSF, from the surgical site or during necropsy. Calf 2 improved neurologically and had a good long-term outcome. CONCLUSION Good outcome in a calf with SEA was obtained after adequate surgical decompression and antibiotic administration. CLINICAL RELEVANCE SEA should be included in the list of possible causes of fever, apparent spinal pain, and signs of myelopathy in calves.

Variations of serum cortisol in Argentine horses subjected to ship transport and adaptation stress

Abstract The response to stress after transport by ship and adaptation to a new environment was evaluated by variations of serum cortisol (RIA method) in 40 horses imported in Italy from Argentina. The study started at arrival (April 2000) and lasted 6 months (October 2000). As a control group, 42 horses living in Italy have been evaluated. In all subjects, hematocrit, total protein, total bilirubin, urea, creatinine, and creatinine kinase were determined. In control horses, cortisol values ranged between 103 and 278 nM/L (mean 190.24 ± SE 13.50, SD 43.82, CV 23.03), and no significant differences among sex or age groups were observed (P > .05). In subjects coming from Argentina, cortisol values observed at landing were within the normal range (193.73 nM/L ± SE 7.95, SD 50.29, CV 25.95), increased substantially in May (366.06 nM/L ± SE 10.25, SD 64.81, CV 17.70) and in June (337.19 nM/L ± SE 12.16, SD 76.89, CV 22.80) and returned to normal in October (187.87 nM/L ± SE 12.54, SD 43.50, CV 23.15). The differences observed in May and in June were significant in comparison with the values observed in April (P

Perineal Choristoma and Atresia Ani in 2 Female Holstein Friesian Calves

Atresia ani, a congenital anomaly of the anus, can be associated with other types of malformation. Two female Holstein Friesian calves had imperforate anus, rectovaginal fistula, and perineal choristomas. In one case, the choristoma was composed of mature adipose and fibrous tissue with nephrogenic rests. In the other calf, the choristoma consisted of fragments of trabecular bone coated by cartilage and containing marrow, mixed with mature adipose and fibrous tissue, striated muscle fibers, nerves, and vessels. This combination of malformations resembles the association of anorectal malformations and perineal masses in children.

Intravenous immunoglobulin transfusion in colostrum-deprived dairy calves

Immunoglobulin transfusion is employed in the management of the failure of passive transfer (FPT). The aim of this study was to investigate the dose of immunoglobulin G (IgG) needed to reach a protective concentration (>10 g/L) in colostrum-deprived dairy calves. Twenty-eight Holstein Friesian newborn male calves were randomly assigned to either a control group (CG) or a treatment group (PG). Calves in the CG received 4 L of high quality colostrum within 12 h of birth. Calves in the PG received 62.7 ± 3.1 g of IgG IV in 2.6 ± 0.3 L of plasma within 6 h after birth. Serum immunoglobulin G (sIgG) and serum total protein (sTP) concentrations were assayed before and after (24 h, 72 h and 1 week after birth) plasma transfusion or colostrum ingestion. Serum (s) IgG and sTP concentrations increased in both groups throughout the period of observation. Mean sIgG and sTP concentrations after colostrum ingestion or plasma transfusion were higher in the CG than in the PG (P <0.01). Nine treated calves developed diarrhoea during the study and four were humanely euthanased due to progressive clinical deterioration. None of the calves in the CG showed signs of disease or died during the study. The dose of IgG used in this trial effectively provided an adequate sIgG concentration in colostrum-deprived calves (>10 g/L). Calves in the CG had significantly lower morbidity and mortality rates compared to those in the PG, suggesting that plasma transfusion alone is ineffective in providing complete protection against neonatal disease.

Effects of Storage Time on Total Protein and Globulin Concentrations in Bovine Fresh Frozen Plasma Obtained for Transfusion

To evaluate the effects of storage conditions on total protein (TP) and globulin fractions in fresh frozen bovine plasma units prepared and stored for transfusion, TP and globulin fractions were evaluated in fresh plasma and at 1 month and 6 and 12 months after blood collection in plasma stored at −20°C. Significant differences in concentrations were found in the median concentration of total protein (P = 0.0336), between 0 months and 1 month (P = 0.0108), 0 and 6 months (P = 0.0023), and 0 and 12 months (P = 0.0027), in mean concentration (g/dL) of albumin (P = 0.0394), between 0 months and 1 month (P = 0.0131), 0 and 6 months (P = 0.0035), and 0 and 12 months (P = 0.0038), and beta-2 fraction (P = 0.0401), between 0 and 6 months (P = 0.0401) and 0 and 12 months (P = 0.0230). This study suggests that total gamma globulin concentration in bovine frozen plasma is stable for 12 months at −20°C. Total protein, ALB, and beta-2 fraction have significantly different concentrations (g/dL) when compared to prestorage. This study has shown IgG protein fraction stability in bovine fresh frozen plasma collected for transfusion; therefore, bovine fresh frozen plasma seems to be suitable for the treatment of hypogammaglobulinemia (failure of passive transfer) in calves when stored for 12 months at −20°C.

Peculiarity of Porcine Amniotic Membrane and Its Derived Cells: A Contribution to the Study of Cell Therapy from a Large Animal Model

The aim of this work was to provide, for the first time, a protocol for isolation and characterization of stem cells from porcine amniotic membrane in view of their potential uses in regenerative medicine. From three samples of allanto-amnion recovered at delivery, the amniotic membrane was stripped from overlying allantois and digested with trypsin and collagenase to isolate epithelial (amniotic epithelial cells [AECs]) and mesenchymal cells, respectively. Proliferation, differentiation, and characterization studies by molecular biology and flow cytometry were performed. Histological examination revealed very few mesenchymal cells in the stromal layer, and a cellular yield of AECs of 10 × 10(6)/gram of digested tissue was achieved. AECs readily attached to plastic culture dishes displaying typical cuboidal morphology and, although their proliferative capacity decreased to the fifth passage, AECs showed a mean doubling time of 24.77 ± 6 h and a mean frequency of one fibroblast colony-forming unit (CFU-F) for every 116.75 plated cells. AECs expressed mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) mRNA markers (CD29, CD166, CD90, CD73, CD117) and pluripotent markers (Nanog and Oct 4), whereas they were negative for CD34 and MHCII. Mesodermic, ectodermic, and endodermic differentiation was confirmed by staining and expression of specific markers. We conclude that porcine amniotic membrane can provide an attractive source of stem cells that may be a useful tool for biomedical research.

Comparison of VIDAS and radioimmunoassay methods for measurement of cortisol concentration in bovine serum.

Radioimmunoassay (RIA) is the “gold standard” method for evaluation of serum cortisol concentration. The VIDAS cortisol test is an enzyme-linked fluorescent assay designed for the MiniVidas system. The aim of this study was to compare the VIDAS method with RIA for measurement of bovine serum cortisol concentration. Cortisol concentrations were evaluated in 40 cows using both VIDAS and RIA methods, the latter as the reference method. A paired Students t-test, Pearsons correlation analysis, Bland-Altman plot, and Deming regression analysis were used to compare the two methods. There was no statistically significant difference between mean serum cortisol concentrations measured by VIDAS or RIA methods (P = 0.6570). Both methods were able to detect significant differences in mean low and high cortisol concentrations (P < 0.00014 RIA and P < 0.0016 VIDAS). The correlation coefficient was low, but a Bland-Altman plot and Deming regression analysis show neither constant nor proportional error. The VIDAS method produced slightly higher values than RIA, but the difference was small and in no case did the mean value move the normal range. Results suggest that VIDAS method is suitable for the determination of bovine serum cortisol concentration in studies of large numbers of animals.

Segmental Spinal Cord Hypoplasia in a Holstein Friesian Calf

An 8‐day‐old female Holstein Friesian calf was examined because of congenital spastic paresis of the hind limbs. Myelography revealed deviation and thinning of subarachnoid contrast medium columns in the lumbar segment. Upon magnetic resonance imaging, the ‘hour‐glass’ subdural compression appeared as a T1‐hypointense, T2‐hyperintense ovoidal area suggestive of cerebral spinal fluid collection, compatible with hydrosyringomyelia. The calf was euthanized and the necropsy confirmed the diagnosis of segmental spinal cord hypoplasia of the lumbar tract associated to hydromyelic and syringomyelic cavities.

Severe thymic hyperplasia in a newborn calf associated with impaired T-cell differentiation

A 1-day-old female Holstein–Friesian calf was presented for severe dyspnea. Physical examination revealed respiratory distress, moderate edema of the ventral neck, and swollen jugular veins. The calf died and was submitted for necropsy. A severely enlarged thymus (40 cm × 20 cm × 10 cm) weighing 1.37 kg was detected on gross examination. Histomorphology was normal but no tingible body macrophages were observed in the medullary areas. Immunohistochemistry was characterized by the lack of thymic cluster of differentiation 3 and major histocompatibility complex class II expression compared to age-matched controls. The findings were consistent with severe thymic hyperplasia, a rare congenital condition that is also described in children. Immunohistochemical findings were suggestive of impaired T-cell development and selection associated with lack of apoptosis of thymic cells (lack of tingible body macrophages). Thymic hyperplasia in juvenile animals should be considered among the differential diagnoses of mediastinal masses as a rare cause of respiratory distress in newborn calves.

Aneurysm of the ductus arteriosus in a heifer.

A DUCTUS arteriosus aneurysm was first described in human beings by Martin Saint-Ange (1827), and has since been found in infants, children and adults (Falcone and others 1972). To the authors’ knowledge it has not been reported in cattle. In human beings, a delayed closure of the ductus arteriosus can be caused by neonatal hypoxaemia in premature babies, and by genetics that determine a lack of sufficient smooth muscle cells and an increased content of elastic tissue in full-term babies (Gersony 1986). It has been speculated that the cause of a ductus arteriosus aneurysm is a closure of the pulmonary end of the ductus arteriosus with a patent aortic end, which results in exposure of the vessel to systemic pressure (Bosman and Leoncini 1967, Falcone and others 1972, Lund and others 1992, Zilinskas and others 2000), but the pathogenesis remains unclear (Hornberger 2002). In adults, another hypothesis for a ductus arteriosus aneurysm is that focal degeneration and weakening of the aortic wall adjacent to the ductus arteriosus promotes the formation of an aneurysm (Falcone and others 1972, Lund and others 1992, Hirose and others 1999). Although the lesion can be asymptomatic, patients may have a history of dyspnoea or tachypnoea (Falcone and others 1972, Laurin and others 1992, Lund and others 1992). The aneurysm is often discovered accidentally on chest radiographs or after death from other causes (Lund and others 1991, Zilinskas and others 2000). A ductus arteriosus aneurysm may get bigger or rupture, causing death; progressive enlargement may cause heart failure, tachypnoea or dyspnoea (especially when drinking), sinus tachycardia and hoarseness from recurrent laryngeal nerve compression (Laurin and others 1992, Slovis and others 1992, Sattar and others 1996, d’Udekem and others 1997, Hirose and others 1999, Zilinskas and others 2000, Day and Walesby 2001). This short communication describes a case of ductus arteriosus aneurysm in a heifer. An eight-month-old female Brown Swiss heifer belonging to a dairy herd was admitted to the authors’ clinic for evaluation of a severe swelling of the head and anterior regions of the body that had appeared suddenly five days previously. On clinical examination, the heifer was in a poor physical condition; its body temperature was 39°C, its breathing was abdominal (36 breaths per minute), its pulse rate was regular (94 bpm), the mucous membranes were pale and the lymph nodes were normal in size. The animal presented with dyspnoea, severe ruminal tympany, and was affected by oedema that involved the head, neck, brisket, anterior limbs and extended as far as the umbilical region. Acoustic percussion of the thorax revealed enlargement of the area of cardiac dullness and caudoventral displacement of the lung limits. Auscultation of the thoracic wall revealed amplified heart sounds, increased bronchial tones and pathological lung sounds (wheezes and crackles). Radiographs were taken with the animal positioned in right lateral recumbency, and they showed a loss of the radiolucent space cranial to the heart. The cardiac silhouette could not be seen because an extensive zone of dense soft tissue was superimposed in the cranioventral field of the thorax. The dorsal displacement of the trachea strongly suggested a mediastinal mass (Fig 1). Perihilar distribution of an increased pulmonary radiodensity due to a mixed interstitial-alveolar pattern was also observed, and was consistent with cardiogenic alveolar oedema. Compensatory hyperinflation of the caudal lung lobes was also noticed. Ultrasound examination of the thorax, performed using a 3·5 MHz probe, identified a small degree of pericardial effusion and the presence of a mass adhered to the left thoracic wall; the mass had a wall 2·5 cm thick and an echogenic content. The clinical, radiological and ultrasonographic findings permitted the generic diagnosis of a major neoformation in the cranioventral mediastinum that extended to the left thoracic wall and involved the base of the heart, the trunk of the great arteries and the mediastinum. Because the wall of the neoformation was so thick, a mediastinal abscess or tumour was suspected. Considering the poor prognosis and the extent of the mass, the heifer was euthanased in agreement with the owner. At postmortem examination, the animal’s jugular veins were turgid and there was severe oedema of the cranioventral regions of its body, particularly in the subcutis of the head, neck and brisket. A large whitish mass was detected in the thorax; it measured 20 x 20 x 34 cm, and originated from a cranially displaced aortic arch and ended in the pulmonary artery at the normal insertion point of the ligamentum arteriosus (Fig 2). The mass adhered to the parietal pleura of the left side of the chest and to the apical and medial compressed Veterinary Record (2005) 156, 783-785