Awad Hussein

Relationship between body condition score and ultrasound measurement of backfat thickness in multiparous Holstein dairy cows at different production phases

BACKGROUND The validity of the body condition score (BCS) for evaluating subcutaneous fat has been questioned because of its subjectivity. With the advent of ultrasonography, backfat thickness (BFT) can be objectively measured and used to assess the energy status of dairy cows in conjunction with BCS. OBJECTIVE Determine the relationship between BCS and ultrasound measurements of BFT throughout the lactation cycle. METHODS Cows (n = 1123) were selected randomly and classified according to their lactation stage into four different groups. BCS was determined using a 5-point scale and BFT measurements were obtained using a 5-MHz linear transducer. RESULTS The correlation coefficient (r) for the relationship between BCS and BFT varied according to the stage of lactation. There was a high correlation (r = 0.96-0.98) and relationship (r(2) = 0.92-0.96) between BCS and BFT. The highest correlation was found at BFT values of 10-35 mm and BCS of 2-4.5 units. CONCLUSION BCS is a practical tool for evaluating body condition; furthermore, it may be as valid as BFT for the estimation of subcutaneous fat in Holstein dairy cows over time.

Ultrasonographic features of the liver with cystic echinococcosis in sheep

Objectives The present study was designed to gain information about the ultrasonographic features of livers with cystic echinococcosis, as well as to evaluate the use of ultrasonography for diagnosis of such disease in sheep. Design This was a retrospective study during the period April 2011 to March 2013. Participants A total of 22 Baladi sheep (aged three to six years) were included in this study. Based on clear hepatic ultrasonographic findings, all animals were classified into two groups: those with hepatic cysts (n=9) and without liver cysts (healthy liver, n=13). Results Biochemically, serum concentrations of γ-glutamyl transferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin and globulins were significantly increased (P<0.01), while albumin was lowered (P<0.01) in sheep with cystic livers. Ultrasonographic findings of diseased sheep livers revealed the presence of rounded, anechoic and unilocular hydatid cysts with ellipse circumference ranged from 6–10 cm. The borders of cysts were mostly well defined. The interior of cysts contained echogenic particulate materials, septations, or fine echoes. At the 10th intercostal space, the ventral margin, size, thickness and angle of livers were higher (P<0.01), while the diameter of portal vein was lower (P<0.01) in sheep with liver cysts than control ones. Furthermore, at the 9th intercostal space, the circumference of the gall bladder was decreased in sheep with hepatic cysts (P<0.01). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of ultrasonography for diagnosis of hepatic hydatid cysts were 80 per cent and 100 per cent, and 100 per cent and 83 per cent, respectively. Conclusions Cystic echinococcosis is associated with a number of anatomical alterations in the liver tissues that can be easily recognised by ultrasound. Furthermore, ultrasonography alone or in combination with analysis of biochemical parameters reflecting liver function could be helpful for diagnosis of hepatic hydatid cysts in sheep.

A pilot study on surgical trimming impact on severely overgrown claws in sheep: Behavioral, physiological, and ruminal function aspects

ABSTRACT Overgrown claws make walking painful, increase difficulty in finding food, and increase susceptibility to foot problems. This study highlights the effect of surgical claw trimming on the behavior, physiological indices, and ruminal activity of sheep. Twenty sheep that had severe claw overgrowth were divided into 2 groups: the trimmed group (T), subjected to the process of claw trimming, and the overgrown claw group, the control group (C). Claw morphometric measurements (toe length, claw height, sole length, sole width, heel height, dorsal hoof angle, fetlock angle, and dew claws length), gait analysis, behavioral patterns (feeding, rumination, drinking, standing, walking, and resting), hematological and blood biochemical indices (complete blood count, plasma cortisol, glucose, lactate, copper, and tumor necrosis factor–&agr; levels), and ruminal function tests (ruminal PH, and count and activity of ruminal fauna) were evaluated in both groups. The overgrown claw trimming improved sheep behavior, gait scoring, physiological indicators, and ruminal activity.

Bacillary hemoglobinuria in dairy cows: clinical, hematological, biochemical, and pathological alterations

The present study was designed to describe the clinical, hematological, and biochemical changes as well as the pathological findings in dairy cows with bacillary hemoglobinuria. This study was conducted on 11 multiparous Friesian cows. Clinically, diseased cows exhibited severe fever, hemoglobinuria, and anorexia with variable degrees of respiratory distress. Hematological analyses revealed severe anemia, and biochemical analyses indicated disruption of hepatic function as serum activities of γ-glutamyl transferase and aspartate aminotransferase, and concentration of total bilirubin were significantly increased in diseased cows (P < 0.001). Furthermore, serum concentration of albumin as well as albumin/globumin ratio decreased significantly (P < 0.01). Venous blood gas and acid base indices revealed a significant increase of partial tension of carbon dioxide (P < 0.05). Serum concentrations of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, calcium, and inorganic phosphorous exhibited insignificant changes (P > 0.05). Histopathological examination of liver specimens revealed multiple necrotic foci containing a large number of bacterial bacilli with accumulation of bilirubin within hepatic canaliculi. The lungs of dead cows were congested and hemorrhagic, and most blood vessels were impacted with bacilli. In the intestine and kidneys of dead cows, severe enteritis and severe nephrosis were observed, respectively. It can be concluded that bacillary hemoglobinuria is a fatal disease associated with many changes including clinical, hematological, biochemical, and pathological alterations that could be helpful for a rapid preliminary diagnosis of such disease.

Ultrasonographic and clinicopathological findings in a 7-year-old mare with urine retention

* Correspondence: hhussein@aun.edu.eg

Ultrasonographic Reference Values of Kidney Dimensions and Clinicopathological Findings Associating the Transcutaneous Ultrasound-Guided Renal Biopsy in Donkeys (Equus asinus)

Abstract This study aimed to establish normal ultrasonographic reference values of kidney dimensions in donkeys (Equus asinus) and to describe and evaluate the clinicopathological variations associated with ultrasound‐guided renal biopsy. The ultrasonographic dimensions of the right and left kidneys were conducted on 16 donkeys, which were then divided into two groups; eight each for biopsy of the right kidney (RK) and left kidney (LK). Three ultrasonographic cineloops were obtained at 17th intercostal space daily for 3 consecutive days. Renal length, width, and dimensions of the cortex, medulla, and pelvis for both the kidneys in each donkey were recorded. Maximal dimensions were obtained for the RK (length 10 ± 8 cm, width 4.9 ± 1 cm, thickness 4.2 ± 0.4 cm) and LK (length 8.9 ± 0.9 cm, width 4.7 ± 0.8 cm, thickness 3.5 ± 0.7 cm) with good‐to‐excellent repeatability for all measurements. Follow‐up ultrasonography revealed development of postbiopsy subcapsular hematomas, which were confirmed postmortem, of mild (volume < 20 mL), moderate (volume from 20 to 40 mL), and severe degrees (volume > 40 mL). Gross hematuria had been observed till 24 hours after biopsy, and then microscopic hematuria was noticed thereafter. Variable clinicopathological changes were noticed in blood and urine. All the biopsy specimens were adequate for histopathological assessment. Postmortem histopathological examination revealed various kidney changes. In conclusion, kidney dimensions can be used by veterinarians for accurate diagnosis and management of renal diseases. Ultrasound‐guided renal biopsy is a relatively safe procedure; however, some complications may develop. Renal biopsy is commonly associated with clinicopathological variations; thus, caution should be taken during interpretation of these variables. HighlightsEstablishment of normal reference ranges of kidneys may be helpful in the diagnosis and prognosis of renal diseases.Ultrasound‐guided renal biopsy is a relatively safe procedure; however, some complications may develop.Histopathological information obtained from renal biopsy specimens has a clinical relevance in confirmation of some obscure renal problems.Gross or microscopic hematuria and subcapsular renal hematoma may occur after kidney biopsy, but they are generally self‐limiting.Renal biopsy is commonly associated with clinicopathological variations; thus, caution should be taken during interpretation of these variables.

Development and Complications of Blind and Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Liver Biopsy Techniques in Donkeys (Equus asinus)

Abstract The present study was designed to develop blind (BL) and ultrasound‐guided (UG) liver biopsy (LB) techniques in donkeys (Equus asinus) and assess the complication rates of both techniques. Forty donkeys were included in this study. Based on the LB technique and biopsy site, the animals were allocated into four groups as BL biopsy at the 13th intercostal space (ICS) (BL13, n = 10), BL14 (n = 10), UG13 (n = 10), and UG14 (n = 10). All animals underwent liver ultrasonography prior to the biopsy procedure and then kept for 2‐day observation period postbiopsy. The ultrasonographic thickness of the liver was higher at the 13th and 14th ICSs than the 12th and 15th ICSs (P < .05). The liver was partially covered by the lung at the most upper part of the 13th ICS. No mortality or major complications were observed. Follow‐up ultrasonography revealed no serious complications, except a case in BL13 group exhibited a subcutaneous hematoma. The mean values of erythrocytic count and packed cell volume were significantly lowered in the BL13 group in comparison with their prebiopsy values (P < .05). All the biopsy specimens (40/40) were adequate for histopathological assessment. Mean specimen length and tissue fragmentation were significantly higher in the BL groups than UG ones (P < .001). In conclusion, percutaneous UG LB is a safe and accurate procedure and can be performed easily in donkeys. Blind LB at the 13th ICS is not recommended; however, it can be done safely at the 14th ICS. HighlightsLiver biopsy (LB) techniques in donkeys can be used for practical and research purposes.Ultrasound‐guided LB is a safe and accurate procedure and can be performed easily in donkeys.Some complications may develop as a result of blind LB.Blind LB at 13th intercostal space may be unsuitable in donkeys.

Effects of propylene glycol on the metabolic status and milk production of dairy buffaloes

OBJECTIVES The study was designed to investigate the effects of drenching with propylene glycol (PG) on body condition, serum metabolites and milk production during the transition period of dairy buffaloes. MATERIAL AND METHODS Animals were randomly allocated to a control group (n=5) and a PG group of 10 buffaloes that were drenched with 500 ml of propylene glycol once daily from 10 (9±3) days prepartum until 2 weeks postpartum. Ultrasound measurements of backfat thickness (BFT) were performed weekly, while blood samples were taken at -4, -2, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks from parturition for estimation of hematological and biochemical metabolites. RESULTS At -4, -3, and -2 weeks from calving, BFT did not differ between the two groups, but decreased after calving and was higher for the control group than the PG group at weeks -1 and 1. Hematological analysis revealed insignificant changes between the two groups. Serum concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) and glucose did not differ between the two groups before parturition. At 2 and 4 weeks from parturition, NEFA was higher for the control group than the PG group. Serum concentrations of BHBA were higher at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks in control animals than in treated buffaloes. In contrast, the glucose level was significantly increased in PG group when compared to the control group at week 2 postpartum (p<0.05). Serum concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides, total proteins, albumin, and globulins did not differ significantly between the two groups (p>0.05). Serum enzyme activities of aspartate aminotransferase and γ-glutamyl transferase were significantly higher in the control than in the PG group. In treated buffaloes significantly (p<0.05) higher average 60-day milk yields were recorded (8.4±0.22 vs. 10.7±0.40 kg/day). Milk composition did not differ between the two groups. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Drenching of dairy buffaloes with propylene glycol may reduce the risk of ketosis, improve the metabolic status, and increase the milk yield.