Comparison of blood glucose concentrations after administration of a glucose solution via the jugular vein and portal vein in cows.

The goals of the present study were to determine whether the infusion of a glucose solution into the portal vein is tolerated in cows and whether the glucose concentration differs after administration of glucose into the jugular vein and portal vein. Fifteen healthy Swiss Braunvieh cows were used. An indwelling catheter was placed in both jugular veins and a balloon-tipped indwelling catheter with a diameter of 2 mm was placed in the portal vein under the guidance of ultrasonography. Three cows received 500 ml of 20% glucose solution over 60 min via the left jugular vein. Three other cows received the same solution over 60 min via the portal vein. Blood samples were collected from the right jugular vein before and for 24 h after the infusion of glucose for the determination of the concentrations of glucose and bilirubin and the activities of glutamate dehydrogenase, sorbitol dehydrogenase and gamma-glutamyl transferase. Infusion via the portal vein did not result in abnormalities in the general condition of the cows or increases in the concentration of bilirubin or the activities of liver enzymes. The blood glucose concentration increased to the same extent after both intraportal and intrajugular infusion. Over a 12-h period, three cows received 10 l of 20% glucose solution via the left jugular vein and three others received the same solution over a 12-h period via the portal vein. Blood samples were collected from the right jugular vein before and for 30 h after the start of infusion. Infusion via the portal vein did not affect the general condition of the cows or the activities of the liver enzymes. There was no significant difference in the blood glucose concentration between the two groups throughout the study.

[Mass appearance of actinomycosis in a llama herd in Switzerland]. / Gehäuftes Auftreten von Aktinomykose in einem Lamabestand in der Schweiz.

This work describes the symptoms of actinomycosis (Actinomyces bovis) in several Llamas in a herd raised in Switzerland as well as their therapy. In 5 Llamas a hematological and chemical blood examination was made where low calcium, partially low iron and copper levels were found. Various reasons are discussed which influence the bone metabolism and lead to a higher susceptibility of bone infection.

[Melanosis maculosa in a calf]. / Melanosis maculosa bei einem Mastkalb.

This work describes findings in a fattened calf, which were seen in a routine slaughter. The most important findings by the meat inspector were diffuse, black spots between 2 and 70 mm in diameter. This hyperpigmentation was observed on the entire carcass as well as on the outside and inside of all internal organs. Removal of the spinal cord produced black colored liquor. Subsequent microbiological examination of the meat resulted in sterile findings. The muscle pH was 5.8. On histological examination many macrophages containing melanin were found in the lung and liver. Based on these findings the diagnosis of Melanosis maculosa was made.

Ultrasound-guided catheterization of the portal vein in 11 cows using the Seldinger technique.

Catheterization of the portal vein using the Seldinger technique [Acta Radiol. (1958) 38, 368] was performed in 11 cows. Ultrasound-guided percutaneous portocentesis, using a 25-cm, 14-gauge steel cannula, was performed from the 10th, 11th or 12th intercostal space on the right side. A stylet was placed through the cannula, which was then removed, and a polyurethane balloon-tipped catheter was advanced over the stylet into the portal vein and sutured to the skin (Seldinger, 1952). Blood samples were collected from the catheter at least once daily. The catheter was removed 9-15 days later when blood could no longer be aspirated. The cows were then slaughtered and a post-mortem examination was performed. During the study, appetite remained normal in nine of 11 cows. In three cows, the general behaviour and demeanour were mildly, but transiently, abnormal. Four cows had leucopoenia. The most frequently encountered problem was occlusion of the catheter, which usually was resolved by flushing with heparinized saline. The most common post-mortem lesion observed was an increase in fibrous connective tissue at the site of cannulation. In nine of 11cows, there was a thrombus in the portal vein at the site of catheterization. Generally, the severity of the lesions was mild. The results of this study demonstrated that ultrasound-guided percutaneous catheterization of the portal vein, using the Seldinger technique, is possible in cows. The catheter may be left in place for collection of blood samples for up to 15 days.

The influence of a fermentation-resistant glucose diet on the glucose concentration and other metabolites in portal and jugular blood in cows.

The goal of this study was to determine the effect of fermentation-resistant glucose on the glucose concentration and other metabolites in portal and jugular blood in 15 non-lactating cows. In all cows, an indwelling catheter was placed in the left jugular vein and the portal vein for collection of blood samples. Five control cows were fed hay as a normal diet, five control cows were fed straw to induce an energy deficit and five cows were fed hay and they received additionally 2000 g of a fermentation-resistant D-glucose product. The glucose concentration in jugular and portal blood was not influenced by feeding. The concentration of urea and bile acids were significantly higher in portal blood than jugular blood. There was no difference between portal and jugular blood of glucose and total solids. Diet had a significant effect on the concentrations of ammonia, urea, free fatty acids and triglycerides. The concentrations of ammonia and urea were higher in blood of cows fed straw than in blood of cows fed either hay or a fermentation-resistant glucose product. The concentration of urea remained constant in cows fed hay, but increased in cows fed straw and decreased in cows fed a fermentation-resistant glucose product. The concentration of free fatty acids and triglycerides were significantly higher in cows fed a fermentation-resistant glucose product than in cows fed hay. In the present study, a single administration of 300 g of fermentation-resistant glucose did not affect the concentration of blood glucose. Therefore, despite ongoing promotion of such products, there is no indication at this time that administration of fermentation-resistant glucose to cows at the start of lactation results in an increase in blood glucose concentration.

[Clinical findings and diagnostic procedure in a dairy sheep with visna]. / Klinische Befunde und diagnostisches Vorgehen bei einem Milchschaf mit Visna.

The goal of this report was to describe the clinical signs and diagnosis of Visna in a seven-year-old East Friesian milk sheep. A striking feature was that the ewe's behaviour changed frequently. At one time, the ewe was somnolent. A few minutes later, the sheep was alert and eating hay. The ewe was thin. It had a slight head tilt and a severe generalised ataxia. Based on the neurological symptoms and chronic weight loss, a tentative diagnosis of visna was made. Serological testing for maedi-visna was positive, and the ewe was euthanised. A postmortem examination was performed, and lung and brain samples were collected aseptically. Cell cultures from these organs were positive for viral enzymatic reverse transcriptase and for maedi-visna RNA.