Tierärztliche Praxis. Ausgabe G, Grosstiere/Nutztiere

Publications in this journal

• Article: [Interrelationship between peripartal metabolism, performance, morbidity and productive life in a herd of Holstein-Friesian heifers].

  S Ackermann, J Gottschalk, A Einspanier, L Jäckel, M Fürll
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  ABSTRACT: Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the heifers' peripartal metabolism, milk yield data and the productive life achieved. Furthermore, the influence of fertility, back fat thickness and morbidity on the productive life was evaluated. Material and methods: Metabolic data and back fat thickness measurements, determined between 2004 and 2005 in a herd of Holstein-Friesian dairy cows, were analysed retrospectively. Additionally, the age reached by the 207 (at that time) heifers as well as data on culling, fertility, milk yield and morbidity were determined with the help of the herd management system and related to the laboratory findings. Results: Heifers with the shortest productive life of < 12 months had the significantly lowest (p < 0.0001) milk yield. The shortest productive life of < 12 months was associated with the significantly lowest (p < 0.0001) oestradiol concentrations 3 days post partum (p. p.) and the significantly smallest (p < 0.0001) albumin concentrations p. p. Furthermore, heifers with the shortest productive life of < 12 months had the significantly lowest (p < 0.0001) cholesterol concentrations 28 days ante partum (a. p.) and p. p. The data showed that heifers with a short productive life had a tendency for lower back fat thickness, tendencially lower oestradiol concentrations 10 days a. p., a trend to lower fertility (regarding inseminations per animal) and an increased incidence of mastitis, stillbirths and endometritis. Conclusion and clinical relevance: The lowest albumin and cholesterol concentrations of the heifers with a short productive life arose from an inadequate food intake. Oestradiol concentration also decreased during the state of energy deficiency. The low oestradiol concentrations 10 days a. p. can lead to repeated stillbirths in such heifers, and this increased the number of clinical endometritis. Furthermore, the low milk yield corresponded with an energy deficiency in these heifers. These results were supported by the low back fat thickness of these animals, which consequently led to poor fertility. As a consequence, for a longer productive life, special attention should be paid to heifers during the periparturient period, in particular focusing on their food intake and body condition.
  Tierärztliche Praxis. Ausgabe G, Grosstiere/Nutztiere 04/2013; 41(2):88-94.
• Article: [Examination of horses with acute colic - clinical pathology and diagnostic imaging].

  J-M V Cavalleri, A Bienert-Zeit, K Feige
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  ABSTRACT: The article summarizes the relevant clinical pathological assessment of horses with acute colic. A minimal laboratory evaluation should include the patient's haematocrit (or packed cell volume), total protein, and lactate concentration in the blood. Haematocrit and total protein provide an indication of the severity of dehydration (haematocrit < 0.45 l/l is evidence of no to mild dehydration whereas > 0.5 l/l points to a severe dehydration). The degree of dehydration is often associated with the severity of the colic. Additionally, the blood lactate concentration rises with increasing intestinal compromise with a concentration of > 4 mmol/l indicating a guarded prognosis. However, it is crucial to assess laboratory values only in the context of the clinical findings. If an abdominocentesis is performed, the leukocyte count and the protein and lactate concentrations offer valuable information regarding the type of colic, the severity of the lesion, further therapy, and prognosis of the colic. Reddish discolouration of peritoneal fluid may be a sign of a strangulating obstruction. Transcutaneous abdominal ultrasonography may provide a crucial insight into the colic cause and severity in a relatively short time, even for inexperienced examiners. In regards to small intestinal lesions, dilated small intestinal loops can often be imaged ultrasonographically before they can be palpated transrectally. The occurrence of free peritoneal fluid and dilated small intestine as well as the evaluation of the intestinal wall and the extent of the gastric wall, allow a better management of the acute colic patient. In ponies and foals, radiography as a further diagnostic imaging modality of the abdomen is of great value. It can help to visualise sand impactions, meconium impactions, or gastrointestinal atresia in the neonate.
  Tierärztliche Praxis. Ausgabe G, Grosstiere/Nutztiere 04/2013; 41(2):124-34.
• Article: [Tenotomy of carpal and digital flexor tendons for correction of congenital neuromyodysplasia in a calf].

  J T Sohrt, M Heppelmann, J Rehage, C Staszyk
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  ABSTRACT: In a 7-day-old heifer calf, a bilateral flexural deformity of the forelimbs involving the digital flexor tendons, the suspensory ligament and the ulnar and radial carpal flexor tendons was diagnosed. After 2 weeks of conservative treatment consisting of manual stretching of the legs and the application of splints and wooden blocks, which were glued to the soles and extended beyond the tip of the claws, the right forelimb could be extended sufficiently to allow weight bearing, whereas the left forelimb could be passively extended to only approximately 120°. Therefore, tenotomy of the ulnar carpal flexor tendon, the digital flexor tendons and the suspensory ligament was carried out in the left leg. A support bandage was then applied to the leg for 8 weeks, after which the carpus and fetlock could be completely extended passively. Flexural deformity of the carpus caused by contracture of the carpal flexor tendons was treated by means of a tenotomy of the ulnar carpal flexor tendon proximal to the accessory carpal bone, which allowed preservation of the carpal tunnel and avoided the risk of iatrogenic damage to nerves and the carpal joint capsule.
  Tierärztliche Praxis. Ausgabe G, Grosstiere/Nutztiere 04/2013; 41(2):113-8.
• Article: [Omphalourachitis with abscess of the urachus and rectal prolapse in a llama cria (Lama glama)].

  S Schwantag, P Zanolari
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  ABSTRACT: This case report describes the diagnosis and therapy of an omphalo-urachitis in a llama cria. Additionally, the cria developed a rectal prolapse, which was successfully treated with a temporary pararectal tobacco pouch suture following umbilical surgery.
  Tierärztliche Praxis. Ausgabe G, Grosstiere/Nutztiere 04/2013; 41(2):119-23.
• Article: Unilateral cerebellar hypoplasia and mesencephalic malformation in a Hanoverian foal.

  S Schröder, M J Schmidt, S Preis, S Klumpp, K Köhler, K Kuchelmeister, C Herden
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  ABSTRACT: Neurological cases, especially in foals, are rare in the daily practical work. The most common causes are traumata and infectious diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). This case report provides further insights into the wide spectrum of possible neuropathological lesions by detailing a complex malformation with unilateral neurological signs that occurred later post natum. Thus, clinicians should also be aware of malformations in case of respective neurological patients. A Hanoverian foal was presented with progressive ataxia. General and blood examination revealed no further alterations. By neurologic examination, a unilateral hypermetria was diagnosed and a cysternography of the head was performed. A cerebellar malformation was assumed and the foal was euthanized due to poor prognosis. At necropsy, a unilateral absence of a cerebellar hemisphere and vermis accompanied by contralateral malformation of the mesencephalon was diagnosed. The missing areas of the right cerebellar hemisphere were replaced by a cystic formation. The left part of the mesencephalic lamina quadrigemina was reduced in size and the corpus callosum was hypoplastic. Additional microscopical findings were most obvious near the cyst formation and included angiofibrosis in remaining cerebellar and mesencephalic parenchyma and leptomeninges, heterotopia of cerebellar neurons, sclerosis in cerebellar cortex, focal proliferation of meningeal cells and mild mononuclear perivascular infiltrates. Occassional irregular neuronal arrangement in the mesencephalon was also present. Infectious agents such as Borna disease virus, rabies virus, and equine herpesvirus were not detected. Therefore, the complex malformation in this foal might have been caused by a destructive, possibly ischemic event, or could represent a sequel of a primary retrocerebellar cyst with accompanying compression of adjacent parenchyma.
  Tierärztliche Praxis. Ausgabe G, Grosstiere/Nutztiere 04/2013; 41(2):106-12.
• Article: [Strategic hormonal reproductive programs in cows. Part 2: Presynchronization and resynchronization].

  C Schmidt, Z Gajewski, A Wehrend
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  ABSTRACT: Objective: Description of hormonal presynchronization and resynchronization methods in cattle. Material and methods: Review. Results: As the pregnancy rate of cows treated with the Ovsynch program primarily depends on the stage of the oestrous cycle at the time of program initiation, different methods of presynchronization based on the use of PGF2α and combinations of PGF2α and gonadotropin- releasing hormone analogues have been developed. An additional problem includes the earliest possible insemination of open cows following the Ovsynch program. As a solution to this problem a post- insemination treatment of all animals seven days before the scheduled date of the pregnancy examination is recommended.If a cow is found not to be pregnant by the pregnancy examination, it will be treated with PGF2α to enable a further insemination as soon as possible thereafter. Clinical relevance: By utilizing presynchronization and resynchronization programs, the reproductive performance of a dairy herd can be increased.
  Tierärztliche Praxis. Ausgabe G, Grosstiere/Nutztiere 04/2013; 41(2):95-104.
• Article: [Diagnostic characteristics of a new California Mastitis Test].

  J-H Paduch, M Herold, V Krömker
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  ABSTRACT: Objective: For the early detection of udder health disorders in praxi, it is necessary to use a method with high sensitivity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the sensitivity of a commercial Califor- nia Mastitis Test and a new reagent which was optimised for the detection of udder health disorders with somatic cell counts > 100,000 cells/ml. Material and methods: The viscosity of mixtures of test milks with standardised somatic cell counts (50,000-800,000 cells/ml) and test reagents were analysed in vitro. A total of 50 quarter fore- milk samples from cows without signs of clinical mastitis were investigated using both California Mastitis Test reagents. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated. Results: The viscosity of mixtures increased with a higher somatic cell count. At a somatic cell count of 50,000 cells/ml, the mean viscosities were 3.20 mPa*s (commer- cial product) and 2.69 mPa*s (optimised reagent). At a somatic cell count of 100,000 cells/ml the viscosities increased to 3.43 mPa*s and 4.58 mPa*s, respectively. At a somatic cell count threshold of 100,000 cells/ml, marking the transition of the physiological status into a secretion disorder, the sensitivity of the commercial test was 76.7% and that of the optimised test was 97.7%. Conclusion and clinical relevance: The optimised California Mastitis Test allows - compared to the commercial product - the early detection of quarters or animals with high somatic cell counts. The results of the study indicate that the test result has to be evaluated immediately after the California Mastitis Test reaction.
  Tierärztliche Praxis. Ausgabe G, Grosstiere/Nutztiere 04/2013; 41(2):81-7.
• Article: [Comparative examination of selected blood parameters from different sampling sites in high yielding cows. Practical usability of blood sampling from the udder vein for metabolic analyses].

  K Wilhelm, J Wilhelm, M Fürll
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  ABSTRACT: Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate different statements in the literature on the influence of the sampling site on various blood parameters in a larger amount of animals. In addition, the practical usability of blood sampling from the udder vein or other accessible veins (e. g. saphenous vein or tail vein) in comparison to the jugular vein for metabolic analyses should be verified. Material and methods: For this purpose blood samples from 92 cows and heifers were taken from the jugular vein, the udder vein and the saphenous vein of the left and right hind limb at four different time points (from 3 weeks ante partum until 8 weeks post partum) and comparatively investigated. Results: For five of the 16 investigated parameters (free fatty acids, beta-hydroxybutyrate, glucose, creatine kinase, and calcium) partially high significant differences between the sampling sites became apparent, dependant on the moment of analysis. Conclusion and clinical relevance: In metabolic analyses, which comprise the aforementioned parameters, the blood sampling site has decisively influence and has to be considered in the interpretation. The udder vein represents no alternative for blood sampling in high yielding cows for metabolic analyses. For obtaining meaningful results, the jugular vein has to be used for blood sampling, despite the higher procedural effort. An exception is the determination of the creatine kinase activity. Since defence movements of the animal's neck seem to have an influence on the local activity, the udder vein should be preferred as sampling site.
  Tierärztliche Praxis. Ausgabe G, Grosstiere/Nutztiere 02/2013; 41(1):7-14.
• Article: [Strategic hormonal reproductive programs in cows. Part 1: Overview, Ovsynch and its modifications].

  C Schmidt, Z Gajewski, A Wehrend
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  ABSTRACT: Introduction: Description of different hormonal reproductive programs in cows. Material and methods: Literature review. Results: The underlying physiological principles and the implementation of hormonal programs based on the use of prostaglandins and combinations of prostaglandins with GnRH analogues are presented. In this context, the advantages and disadvantages of each program are explained. Based on the Ovsynch program, its modifications, Cosynch, Select Synch, Heatsynch and Ultrasynch, are described. Clinical relevance: The description of the different reproductive programs is designed to assist the attending veterinarian in choosing the optimum strategy for each farm.
  Tierärztliche Praxis. Ausgabe G, Grosstiere/Nutztiere 02/2013; 41(1):45-54.
• Article: [Evaluation of a claw hygiene system concerning its cleaning effect, the cow traffic and the quality of the washing water].

  A Fiedler, B Haidn, S Maier, J Maierl
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  ABSTRACT: Objective: Only limited scientific information on the efficiency of claw cleaning systems for dairy cows is currently available. For this reason, this investigation aimed to test the devio AG's claw hygiene system regarding its cleaning effect as well as its impact on the cow traffic and the quality of its washing water. Material and methods: During the first of two investigative phases of this controlled study, main water was used to clean the claws, while in the second phase a biozide was additionally applied. Every 4 weeks the hind claws of approximately 55 dairy cows (German Fleckvieh breed) were evaluated and their degree of soiling classified into four categories. In addition to the system's cleaning effect, its effect on cow traffic was investigated using video recordings and the quality of the recycled washing water was tested using bacteriological sampling. Results: In the second investigation phase, claw cleanliness in the treatment group was significantly higher than in the control group. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups during the first investigation phase. The video analysis showed, that after a short period of adaptation, there was undisturbed cow traffic. Within one week of installing the claw hygiene system, the length of stay in the system increased from a mean of 23 s to 32 s and the time the cows spent waiting in front of the system was reduced from a mean of 3 min 51 s to 2 min 20 s. Water analysis revealed an increasing bacterial count from initially 1.2 × 10⁶ to 7.3 × 10⁷ CFU/ml. Conclusions: The undisturbed cow traffic allows the easy integration of the claw cleaning system into a free-stall barn. The improvement of claw cleanliness can make a positive contribution to claw hygiene. However, the increasing bacterial contamination of the washing water gives cause for concern in terms of infections being passed between cows when using this system.
  Tierärztliche Praxis. Ausgabe G, Grosstiere/Nutztiere 02/2013; 41(1):20-30.
• Article: [Measuring body temperature in dairy cows - applications and influencing factors].

  O Burfeind, V Suthar, W Heuwieser
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  ABSTRACT: Measuring body temperature plays an integral role in early puerperal cow monitoring programs. Furthermore, body temperature is part of the definition of puerperal metritis. Antibiotic treatment decisions are based on body temperature in several international publications on intervention strategies widely adopted in the modern dairy industry. The objective of this article is to provide a brief overview of the most recent publications on this important criterion. Several factors can influence the measurement of the body temperature (type of thermometer, insertion depth, skills of the investigator) as well as the cow's body temperature (days in milk, parity, time of the day, climate at calving). Furthermore, the occurrence of increased body temperature in healthy cows was demonstrated independently by several investigations. In ambiguous cases (e.g. raised body temperature as the only symptom) results should be interpreted with caution.
  Tierärztliche Praxis. Ausgabe G, Grosstiere/Nutztiere 02/2013; 41(1):56-60.
• Article: Lameness in weaned pigs associated with tetracycline overdose. A case report.

  V Gotter, P Wolf, J Kamphues, E Grosse Beilage
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  ABSTRACT: On a piglet producing farm severe lameness was observed in pigs which had been weaned 3 weeks and longer due to severe distortions of joints and claws of fore and/or hind legs. Splaying of claws as well as flexural limb deformations particularly in the carpal joints increased in degree the older and heavier the pigs were. Because of coughing in the weaners, which had started 7-8 weeks before any lameness or limb deformation had been apparent, tetracycline was applied via water as medication. During the course of an on-site investigation, a miscalculation of dosage - 129-168 mg tetracycline per kg body weight - was revealed. It was therefore suggested to the farmer and his veterinarian to immediately stop the application of tetracycline and to use a different antibiotic against the still present coughing and sneezing. During a follow-up evaluation 4 weeks later, the farmer reported a significant decrease in affected animals. While a direct correlation between the lameness in the weaned pigs and the tetracycline dosage could not be proven, the existing evidence supports the theory that the overdosage was at least a contributing factor.
  Tierärztliche Praxis. Ausgabe G, Grosstiere/Nutztiere 02/2013; 41(1):61-6.
• Article: Reproductive performance of cows with subclinical endometritis diagnosed by different cytological thresholds in the postpartum period.

  W Barański, S Zduńczyk, T Janowski
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  ABSTRACT: Objective: To determine the impact of cytologically determined endometritis (CE) diagnosed according to three different cytological thresholds in the 4th and 6th week postpartum (p. p.) on the subsequent reproductive performance in dairy cows. Material and methods: Dairy cows (n = 222) were clinically examined in the 4th week (Exam I) and in the 6th week (Exam II) p. p. and endometrium samples were collected for cytological examination using the cytobrush method. Three cytological thresholds (percent of polymorphonuclear leucocytes to epithelial cells) were used for categorization of cows: 1) > 18% at Exam I and > 10% at Exam II; 2) > 8% at Exams I and II; 3) > 5% at Exams I and II. The animals were categorized as endometritis positive (CE+) or negative (CE-) according to all cytological thresholds at Exams I and II. For all six experimental groups the following reproductive parameters were calculated: first insemination pregnancy rate, number of services per conception, intercalving period, and total pregnancy rate on day 300 p. p. Results: According to different thresholds prevalence of CE ranged from 48.0% to 65.9% at Exam I and from 26.0% to 34.7% at Exam II. The first insemination pregnancy rate was statistically lower in all CE positive groups at Exam I. Number of inseminations per conception was higher (p < 0.05) in each CE positive cows with exception of group CE+ at Exam II. Intercalving periods were longer in CE cows, and significant (p < 0.05) difference was found for groups ICE+ and ICE- at Exam I. Overall pregnancy rates were similar in cytologically determined endometritis and control cows. Conclusion and clinical relevance: Impaired fertility at herd level may concern only particular reproductive indices. It seems that each herd with subclinical endometritis needs to be evaluated and managed individually, according to the different housing, feeding, and environmental conditions. The first of three thresholds used to cytologically diagnose endometritis seems to be the most reliable when applied in the 4th week p. p.
  Tierärztliche Praxis. Ausgabe G, Grosstiere/Nutztiere 02/2013; 41(1):15-9.
• Article: [Monitoring of dairy cow claw health status in 15 herds using the computerised documentation program Claw Manager and digital parameters].

  J Kofler, R Pesenhofer, G Landl, I Sommerfeld-Stur, C Peham
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  ABSTRACT: Objective: Monitoring of claw health over a defined period using the digital documentation and analysis program Claw Manager. Material and methods: Data from 679 cows were documented with the Claw Manager during routine functional claw trimming on 15 dairy farms that were visited two or three times. The data of these 33 visits were analysed for the following parameters: prevalence of claw lesions, of their severity scores and of lameness as well as the Cow Claw Score (CCS), the Farm Claw Score (FCS) and the Farm Zone Score (FZS). Their chronological progression was shown using boxplot graphs. Results: Mean prevalence of all lame free cows was 71.9% at visit 1 (max. 95.0%, min. 21.1%) and 72.9% at visit 2 (max. 100.0%, min. 12.6%). The mean prevalence of claw lesions in all 15 herds was 61.8% for heel horn erosion (HHE), followed by white line lesions (WLL, 37.2%), sole haemorrhages (SH, 27.5%), acute and chronic stages of digital dermatitis (DD, 19.7%) and chronic laminitic claws (10.9%). In individual herds HHE (n = 15), WLL (n = 11), SH (n = 10), acute DD (n = 4) and chronic laminitic claws (n = 3) were consistently among the three most frequently observed lesions. A statistically significant improvement was found for the severity scores of the claw lesions of all cows from visit 1 to visit 2. The CCS ranged from 0 (CCS min) to 276 (CCS max), the FCS ranged from 6 to 72. The length of the upper quartiles and the length of the upper whiskers in the boxplot graphs of the CCS values of the herds at the various visits varied widely. The CCS of the cows of ten herds improved significantly from visit 1 to visit 2. Locomotion scores and CCS were significantly correlated on 30 of 33 visits. Conclusion: The parameters FCS (median of all CCS values of a herd), length of the upper quartiles, length of the upper whiskers in the boxplot graphs FZS max, the prevalence of lameness and of claw lesions, and their severity scores proved to be very informative for a detailed comparison of claw data of herds over subsequent visits.
  Tierärztliche Praxis. Ausgabe G, Grosstiere/Nutztiere 02/2013; 41(1):31-44.
• Article: [Infectious causes of lameness in sheep - treatment options in veterinary practice].

  H Strobel, E Moors, M Ganter, D Spengler, K Voigt
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  ABSTRACT: Lameness in sheep induced by infectious agents can cause problems regarding animal welfare, diagnosis and treatment. Individual lame animals and lameness caused by systemic disease, but especially flock problems due to infectious causes of lameness, such as foot rot, can for various reasons pose a problem for veterinary treatment. The causes of lameness in sheep are described with a special focus on infectious flock problems, and the different treatment options such as foot trimming, foot baths and local and systemic antibiotic therapy as well as vaccination are discussed based on a review of recent international research. The limited choice of drugs licensed for use in sheep in Germany is highlighted. Treatment, therefore, often requires off-label use or the import of footbathing agents licensed in other European countries. The legal consequences of this lack of nationally licensed veterinary products in dealing with a "minor species" are discussed, with a final call for political solutions that will help improve this unsatisfactory situation.
  Tierärztliche Praxis. Ausgabe G, Grosstiere/Nutztiere 12/2012; 40(6):403-12.
• Article: Prevalence and accompanying signs of pneumovagina and urovagina in dairy cows in the Southern Marmara region.

  G Goncagul, K Seyrek Intas, I H Kumru, D Seyrek Intas
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  ABSTRACT: Objective: Studies on the prevalence of pneumo- and urovagina in cows are rare. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and the most common accompanying clinical signs of pneumo- and urovagina in dairy cows. Material and methods: Between 2007 and 2010 a total of 1167 Holstein and Brown Swiss cows were examined clinically and bacteriologically. Pneumovagina was diagnosed if air was sucked in or expelled from the vagina spontaneously at any time. Urovagina was defined as the accumulation of urine at the fornix of the vagina. Results: The prevalence of pneumovagina and urovagina were 19.2% (n=224) and 3.1% (n=36), respectively. Several clinical findings were accompanying pneumovagina in affected cows. 77.7% of cows having pneumovagina additionally displayed foamy vaginal discharge during estrous. Passive urinary flow out of the vulva could be observed due to pressure during rectal examination in some cows with urovagina. Bacteriological examination of uterine swaps from 111 cows with pneumovagina yielded a positive result in 95.5% of the cases. Uterine samples from 20 control animals were bacteriologically positive in 45% of the cases. Conclusions and clinical relevance: Pneumovagina in cows has a much higher prevalence than published before and causes uterine infection, endometritis and infertility due to fecal contamination. Urovagina is always an accompanying sign in severe cases of pneumovagina. Foamy vaginal discharge during estrous can be regarded as pathognomonic and early sign of pneumovagina also in very mild cases. Evacuation of the uterus after parturition and a decrease in body condition score due to negative energy balance causes an increased negative intraabdominal pressure. These conditions seem to trigger the development of pneumo- and urovagina. For this reason repeat-breeders and especially cows with foamy vaginal discharge during estrous, passive urinary leakage and an angulated vulva dorsal to the ischiadic arch should be carefully examined for pneumovagina.
  Tierärztliche Praxis. Ausgabe G, Grosstiere/Nutztiere 12/2012; 40(6):359-66.
• Article: [Haemoplasma infection in a dairy cow].

  R Baggenstos, B Wenzinger, M L Meli, R Hofmann-Lehmann, G Knubben-Schweizer
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  ABSTRACT: The present work describes the clinical and laboratory examination as well as the treatment of a 7-year-old local dairy breed cow presented with reduced appetite, decreasing milk yield and striking yellowish discoloured skin and mucosa. The laboratory examination revealed a high degree regenerative anaemia and hyperbilirubinaemia. The bovine haemotrophic mycoplasma species Mycoplasma wenyonii and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos' were detected in the blood by PCR. Treatment with oxytetracycline rapidly improved the general condition, and milk production was increased. In a follow-up study, blood samples of all 23 animals from the same herd were examined. Fifteen cows were found to be infected with both haemoplasma species, three animals were only infected with 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos' and one animal only with Mycoplasma wenyonii. Two out of three tested calves were positive for 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos'. Except for the above described anaemic cow, all other animals were clinically healthy.
  Tierärztliche Praxis. Ausgabe G, Grosstiere/Nutztiere 12/2012; 40(6):397-400.
• Article: [Occurrence and control of the Clostridium perfringens type A associated diarrhea of the suckling pigs with special consideration of the immunoprophylaxis].

  S Springer, J Finzel, V Florian, H Schoepe, G Woitow, H J Selbitz
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  ABSTRACT: Objective: Clostridium (C.) perfringens type A is often associated with diarrhoea in suckling piglets. The impact of the alpha (α) and beta (β)2 toxins on the pathogenesis of the disease has not been conclusively answered. Previously, autologous vaccines were used to control this disease. The aim of our investigation was the classification of C. perfringens strains and the quantitative determination of the α and β2 toxins during the production of autologous vaccines. The efficacy of a commercial vaccine against the C. perfringens type A associated diarrhoea was tested using an animal intoxication model. Material and methods: A total of 1,434 C. perfringens strains from piglets with diarrhoea were classified using a multiplex PCR in the first part of the examination. In parallel, the α and β2 toxin content was determined quantitatively using ELISA tests. In the second part of the study 18 gilts were vaccinated twice in the last third of gestation to evaluate the α and β2 toxoid containing C.perfringens type A vaccine (Clostriporc A, IDT Biologika GmbH). Results: Of the C. perfringens strains which were found, 87.9% were type A ( cpa , cpb2 ), 6.3% type A ( cpa ), and 5.8% type C ( cpa , cpb , cpb2 ). Low to middle a toxin-producing strains often strongly expressed the β2 toxin. The vaccination led to the production of antibodies against the α and β2 toxins, which were transferred to the offspring by colostrum. Piglets were significantly protected (p<0.05) by the antibodies after having been challenged with an α and β2-containing supernatant of a heterologous C. perfringens type A strain. Conclusion and clinical relevance: These results underline the importance of α and β2 toxin producing C.perfringens type A strains in diarrhoea in suckling piglets. Using the intoxication model, this vaccine showed significant protective effects against the α and β2 toxins.
  Tierärztliche Praxis. Ausgabe G, Grosstiere/Nutztiere 12/2012; 40(6):375-82.
• Article: [Sonographical visibility of the corpus luteum in dairy cows].

  S Röskes, K Failing, A Wehrend
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  ABSTRACT: Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the day from which a corpus haemorrhagicum in the dairy cow after spontaneous or induced ovulation can be visualized using a mobile ultrasound device. Material and methods: During three uninfluenced control cycles and three cycles in which six cows received a simultaneous treatment with GnRH and PGF2a, either on day 7, 14 or 17 post ovulation, the ovaries were scanned sonographically. In every control cycle a daily ultrasound examination was conducted starting from the 18th day of a cycle, in the treatment cycles beginning from the day of the hormonal treatment. Thus the formation of a new corpus luteum was followed sonographically from the day of ovulation onwards. Concentrations of progesterone were determined on day1 of any cycle, on the day of hormonal treatment and on the 5days following the treatment to support the sonographical results through endocrine values. Results: A corpus luteum was visible in 100% of the cases on day 5 of the cycle, regardless of whether it had been a spontaneous or induced ovulation. In the treatment cycles, a sonographically visible luteolysis induced by the hormonal treatment began between 1.3 and 1.8 days after the hormone injection and lasted on average 3.7 days. The day of the cycle on which hormonal treatment was performed had no influence on the occurrence of luteolysis. A central fluid-filled cavity was visible in 33% of the corpora lutea, becoming smaller during luteolysis and disappearing before luteolysis was completed. Conclusion and clinical relevance: A corpus luteum is sonographically visible on day 5 after ovulation. Ultrasound examinations can be used to confirm induced luteolysis. The formation of a new corpus luteum can be visualised to confirm the success of an induced ovulation.
  Tierärztliche Praxis. Ausgabe G, Grosstiere/Nutztiere 12/2012; 40(6):367-73.
• Article: Salmonella detection in poultry samples. Comparison of two commercial real-time PCR systems with culture methods for the detection of Salmonella spp. in environmental and fecal samples of poultry.

  D Sommer, D Enderlein, A Antakli, H Schönenbrücher, J Slaghuis, T Redmann, M Lierz
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  ABSTRACT: Study: The efficiency of two commercial PCR methods based on real-time technology, the foodproof® Salmonella detection system and the BAX® PCR Assay Salmonella system was compared to standardized culture methods (EN ISO 6579:2002 - Annex D) for the detection of Salmonella spp. in poultry samples. Material and methods: Four sample matrices (feed, dust, boot swabs, feces) obtained directly from poultry flocks, as well as artificially spiked samples of the same matrices, were used. All samples were tested for Salmonella spp. using culture methods first as the gold standard. In addition samples spiked with Salmonella Enteridis were tested to evaluate the sensitivity of both PCR methods. Furthermore all methods were evaluated in an annual ring-trial of the National Salmonella Reference Laboratory of Germany. Results: Salmonella detection in the matrices feed, dust and boot swabs were comparable in both PCR systems whereas the results from feces differed markedly. The quality, especially the freshness, of the fecal samples had an influence on the sensitivity of the real-time PCR and the results of the culture methods. In fresh fecal samples an initial spiking level of 100cfu/25g Salmonella Enteritidis was detected. Two-days-dried fecal samples allowed the detection of 14cfu/25g. Both real- time PCR protocols appear to be suitable for the detection of Salmonella spp. in all four matrices. The foodproof® system detected eight samples more to be positive compared to the BAX® system, but had a potential false positive result in one case. In 7-days-dried samples none of the methods was able to detect Salmonella likely through letal cell damage. Clinical relevance: In general the advantage of PCR analyses over the culture method is the reduction of working time from 4-5 days to only 2 days. However, especially for the analysis of fecal samples official validation should be conducted according to the requirement of EN ISO6579:2002 - Annex D.
  Tierärztliche Praxis. Ausgabe G, Grosstiere/Nutztiere 12/2012; 40(6):383-9.