Serum leptin in neonatal lambs is associated with temperature, plasma lipids and metabolites.

In this study we investigated changes of serum leptin in 74 newborn lambs and associations with environmental temperature (from - 8°C to + 25°C), body temperature, and concentrations of plasma lipids, 3-beta-hydroxybutyric acid and blood glucose. A leptin radioimmunoassay was established, using an antiserum (rabbit) produced against a partial sequence of ovine leptin (31-44). Before measurement, serum samples were denatured. The sensitivity of the assay was 0.4 µg l(-1) and intra- and interassay coefficients of variation were 5.1% and 2.5%, respectively. Blood samples were collected immediately after birth up to 24 h postnatally (pn). Median leptin concentrations at birth and 24 h pn were 20.9 and 52.7 µg l(-1), respectively. Because of non-normal distribution, leptin concentrations were converted to log(leptin) before further statistical processing. The change in log(leptin) during the first 24 h was highly significant (p<0.0001). Correlation analysis showed significant associations between serum leptin and the following variables: environmental temperature 24 h pn (r=0.34, p<0.005), log(plasma triglycerides) 24 h pn (r=0.50, p<0.001), log(plasma 3-beta-hydroxybutyric acid) 24 h pn (r=-0.50, p<0.001), blood glucose 6 h pn (r=0.43, p<0.001) and plasma cholesterol 12 h pn (r=0.38, p=0.001). We conclude that this radioimmunoassay is suited to measure total serum ovine leptin and that total leptin is already regulated in the very early postnatal phase. Leptin is increased at higher environmental temperatures, consistent with leptin's suppressive effect on energy expenditure and appetite. Furthermore, leptin levels are associated with plasma concentrations of lipids and lipid metabolites.

Surgical treatment of uterine torsion using a ventral midline laparotomy in 19 mares.

OBJECTIVE: To report on the outcome of surgical treatment of uterine torsion in preterm mares. DESIGN: Retrospective case series of pregnant mares with uterine torsion presented to the Clinic for Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Andrology of Large and Small Animals. METHODS: Hospital records of all pregnant mares that underwent ventral midline laparotomy for uterine torsion between 1998 and 2004 were reviewed. The signalment, history, clinical signs, results of diagnostic procedures, direction and degree of the uterine twist, treatment and outcome were retrieved from each case record. RESULTS: This study comprised 19 mares between months 5 and 11 of pregnancy (8.7 +/- 1.9) and suffering from uterine torsion. In all cases ventromedian laparotomy was carried out under general anaesthesia. Gastrointestinal disorders were also present in 52.6% of horses. Postoperative complications included subcutaneous seromas (five mares), peritonitis (one mare) and abortion (two mares). In four mares (21%) the operation was unsuccessful (i.e. these mares had to be euthanased intra- or postoperatively). Of the surviving 15 mares, 13 (86.6%) gave birth to viable foals at full term. The foals developed normally. Only two mares aborted. CONCLUSIONS: Because of its versatility the ventral midline approach should be considered for correction of uterine torsion. The approach has many advantages, including rapid and clear access to the abdominal cavity, safety, visual assessment of uterine wall viability, correction of concomitant gastrointestinal tract problems, and performance of hysterotomy or hysterectomy, if indicated. In this study, managing uterine torsion in this way resulted in a high percentage of cases (86.6%) in which pregnancy was maintained, with the birth of a viable, mature foal.

Serotonin-containing cells in the gastrointestinal tract of newborn foals and adult horses.

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), a regulatory amine of mucosal enterochromaffin cells plays an important role in the control of gastrointestinal smooth muscle contraction and epithelial secretion. Serotonin has also been associated with gastric ulcers, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. In spite of the high incidence of these gastrointestinal disorders in newborn foals and adult horses, no data are available regarding 5-HT immunoreactive cells (i.c.) in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of foals, and for adult horses, data are incomplete and contradictory. In this study, the distribution and relative frequency of 5-HT i.c. in the GIT of newborn foals and adult horses were determined immunohistochemically. In foals as in adults, a relatively large number of 5-HT i.c. were detected in all portions of the GIT. In foals, a significantly higher amount of cells was found in the pyloric region and margo plicatus of the stomach, as well as in the caecum and colon ascendens compared with adults. Our results provided rationale for further research concerning the role of 5-HT i.c. during the milk diet or in the regulation of gastrointestinal growth/cell proliferation, and in the pathogenesis of gastric ulcers, especially in newborn foals.

Hormonal and behavioural changes during the mating season and pregnancy in Alpine marmots (Marmota marmota).

Under natural and artificial conditions, Alpine marmots (Marmota marmota) are true hibernators with a single breeding season starting immediately upon emergence from hibernation. Over three mating and breeding seasons, hormonal and mating patterns of colony-housed reproductive female marmots were investigated after exit from hibernation. Blood samples were taken for progesterone, oestrogen and relaxin assays with parallel ultrasound investigations. Copulations were observed from the first day after exit from hibernation until the end of pregnancy and reached a maximum number on day 37 before parturition. Mating behaviour was observed between the dominant animals as well as between dominant and subdominant group members. In the first week after exit from hibernation, plasma progesterone was detected in half of the animals. During the third week, progesterone concentrations were significantly higher in pregnant than in non-pregnant animals or animals that had aborted. Immediately after emerging from hibernation, all successfully mated females showed higher serum relaxin values than non-successfully mated animals and this increase in relaxin concentration lasted until the end of pregnancy. The total concentration of oestrogen did not differ between pregnant and non-pregnant animals. The results of this study indicate that progesterone and relaxin might be useful indicators of early pregnancy in Alpine marmots.

Molecular biological characterization of equine surfactant protein A.

In the following, we describe the isolation and sequencing of the equine surfactant protein A (Sp-A) as found in both the cDNA and the genomic DNA. We found a length of the cDNA sequence of 747 bp (base pairs), in translation into amino acids of 248. Compared with the known molecular biological facts about Sp-A in other species, the cDNA sequence obtained showed highest homology with that of sheep (85.01%). The genomic DNA of equine Sp-A, as in other species, includes three introns. There were no hints for the existence of two different Sp-A genes. These results should form the basis for a better understanding of respiratory failure in foals and adult horses, and also lead to further studies on this item.

Semen collection, examination and spermiogram in ostriches.

The level of fertility in the male ostrich exerts considerable influence on the efficiency of the fertilization procedure, and thus also on reproductive performance. The determination of the reproductive capacity is of particular interest with regard to the selection of single individuals for optimizing reproduction ratios. Although the breeding and raising of ostriches has become increasingly important in many countries, little research has been completed on reproductive parameters and factors that may possibly influence them. This study presents observations made concerning the quantity and quality of sperm as found in the spermatological testing of 411 ejaculate samples taken from male ostriches on two farms in Namibia. The semen volume varied between 0.1 and 1.5 ml (mean, 0.64 ml). Normal ejaculate colours ranged from white to ivory; the consistency ranged from thin creamy to viscous. The measured pH values lay between 6.4 and 8.0 (mean, 7.3). Microscopic investigations revealed sperm concentrations of 8.9-78.1 million/microl and individual sperm motility from 42 to 96% (mean, 78%). No mass motility was detectable in 42% of the ejaculates; weak mass motility was found in 46%, and clear mass movements were to be found in only 12% of samples. Regarding the morphology of the sperm, 5 to 26% were abnormal (mean, 17%) and 4 to 28% (mean, 20%) were dead. Seasonal patterns of sperm concentration and the influence of frequency of semen collection were investigated in a group of 56 healthy male ostriches. Peak sperm concentrations were found at the beginning of the breeding season in spring; the lowest values were found at the end of the breeding season in autumn. The highest quality ejaculate was obtained from those males whose semen was collected once a week. The results of this study provide fundamental data for the establishment of minimum quality requirements for ostrich sperm to be met by individuals receiving certification as breeding animals and for the selection of suitable males for use in artificial insemination.

[Clinical examinations of gilts with puerperal septicemia and toxemia]. / Klinische Erhebungen bei Sauen mit puerperaler Septikämie und Toxämie.

In a clinical examination on 78 gilts suffering from feverish puerperal illness the signs were documented. 42 gilts without puerperal disturbances out of the same farms (n = 22) were used as a control. Data for statistics were recorded in minute-books, listing 38 parameters, partly divided in three or four subunits. Within the first 24 hours after parturition 60% of the probands were registered, the other gilts up to the 72nd hour after parturition. 42.3% of the patients beared for the first or second time. Duration of partus averaged more than six hours in 85.9% of patients with consequent puerperal illness, whereas probands of the same age in the control group finished parturition in less than three hours (78.8%; p < or = 0.01). Frequency of obstetrical intervention measured 27% in the group of patients, in the group of probands 9.5% (p < or = 0.05). Gilts with following puerperal illness delivered 1.1 piglets more than healthy individuals (p < or = 0.05) and showed an increased stillbirth rate (p < or = 0.01). Signs of clinical interest in puerperal illness were increase of body temperature (p < or = 0.01), cardiac rate (p < or = 0.01) and respiratory frequency (p < or = 0.01). Approximately 75% of the patients showed anorexia, 66% abnormal faecal consistency. 24.4% of the diseased animals showed exclusively signs of mastitis, in 29.5% there was a combination of mastitis and inflammatory affection of the genital system to be diagnosed, in 46.1% of the cases a solitary infection of the reproductive tract was to be stated. Predominantly E. coli, followed by Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. were isolated from the genital tract. The results of this study emphasize the clinical necessity to differentiate between isolated mastitis and puerperal septicaemia respectively toxaemia in cases of feverish puerperal illness. Puerperal septicaemia and toxaemia can, but do not have to be associated with mastitis in gilts.

[Systematic classification of milk flow obstruction in cattle using endoscopic findings with special consideration of hidden teat injuries]. / Systematische Einteilung der Milchabflussstörungen des Rindes anhand endoskopischer Befunde unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der gedeckten Zitzenverletzungen.

Evaluation of clinical and endoscopic findings in 224 dairy cows, suffering from milk flow hindrance (MFH), led to a systematic categorization. Dairy cows of different age and race, being patients in the Ambulatorische und Geburtshilfliche Veterinärklinik der Justus-Liebig-Universität, Giessen, and the Tierärztliche Klinik Babenhausen, were used as probands. Just a small amount of animals (8.93%) showed causes for MFH that were inborn or non-traumatic, such as inflammations or foreign bodies. In the majority of cases (91.07%) covered teat lesions (CTL) were diagnosed as causes for MFH. The inner orifice of the papillar duct and the papillar duct itself were found to be the by far most frequent locations of traumatic insult, which was diagnosed as avulsion of the mucosa in 86.16% of cases. Minimal invasive endoscopy proved to be a valuable imaging modality to investigate, document and categorize the diverse alterations of the inner teat cistern lining. Basing on clinical and endoscopic findings, MFH is categorized systematically, paying special attention to CTL as its major cause, and illustrated by comparing endoscopic pictures of typical alterations and physiological findings.

[Experiences with a theloresectoscope compared with conventional teat endoscopy in diagnosis and therapy of covered teat lesions]. / Erfahrungen mit einem Theloresektoskop im Vergleich zur konventionellen Zitzenendoskopie bei der Diagnose und Therapie gedeckter Zitzenverletzungen.

In 30 dairy-cows, suffering from a covered teat lesion near the papillar duct and, as a result, from milk flow hindrance, two different methods of minimal invasive endoscopy for diagnosis and therapy were performed. In 15 patients (group I) the endoscope was inserted through the papillar duct and additionally through an artificial approach in the teat wall. Avulsions of mucosa could be visualized and resected with special instruments. In further 15 patients (group II) a new Theloresectoscope (teat-endoscope, combined with integrated radiosurgery-unit) was used for performance of endoscopy via papillar duct and lateral endoscopy. Mucosal avulsions were removed under visualization by means of radiosurgery without inserting an additional instrument through the papillar duct. Afterwards, after application of antibiotic drugs intramammarily, a natural teat canal insert (NIT) was administered in the papillar ducts of the 30 treated teats for seven days to keep the teat canal calm and wide. After three days the NIT was replaced and antibiosis refreshed. Eight days after endoscopy the temporary cessation of milking was canceled and the quarters were milked by machine. In two probands out of group I and three cows out of group II six weeks after first intervention lateral endoscopy was performed again for documentation of the healing process. In all 30 cases six weeks after resection of mucosal avulsions inquiries about the milking-quality were made by phoning the owners of patients. In 29 cows, still existing on the farms after six weeks, the milking comfort was considered as being good or, in few cases, satisfactory by the owners. Somatic cell count showed good results, though eight probands in group I and nine cows in group II presented positive results in the California-Mastitis-Test. Comparing the two different endoscopic techniques used in this study, both methods appeared of same value concerning diagnosis of aberrations in bovine teat by means of endoscopy via teat canal. Differences were found in handling of instruments performing endoscopy with lateral, artificial approach: the novel Theloresectoscope is by far more useful in endoscopic surgery, because the surgical intervention can be performed by a single person, whereas using the conventional instruments in most cases a second person as an assistant for operation is required.

[Effect of normal parturition on activity of clinically relevant enzymes in blood plasma of goats and kids]. / Einfluss der normalen Geburt auf klinisch-relevante Enzymaktivitäten im Blutplasma von Ziegen und deren Lämmern.

Blood of 24 healthy goats of different breeds in the age between two and six years as well as their 36 lambs in the peripartal period was taken at regular intervals from the day 10 ante partum up to the day 30 post partum. The content of plasma--nonspecific, clinical essential enzymes as well as the selenium content--has been examined. 1. Normal parturition shows an influence on the enzyme activity in plasma. Abundant alterations in concentration (p < or = 0.05-0.001) are detectable in AST, LDH, alpha-HBDH, GGT, GLDH and CK. GGT responds indistinctly to birth. GLDH-concentration is significant higher in the lactation period (p < or = 0.01). 2. The registration of OCT in blood plasma and serum of goats is possible but the activity of the enzyme in plasma and serum is slight. 3. In the blood of new born lambs a high plasma activity of CK and GGT can be found. Up to day 5 post natum the activity of CK descends to post partum adult level and up to day 30 post natum lower enzyme values than those of adult goats are found. GGT activity at day of birth after colostrum uptake is more than 5 times higher than at day 5 post natum. Up to day 30 post natum the activity remains above the mean of adult goats.

[Teat endoscopy as a diagnostic procedure in the goat]. / Die Zitzenendoskopie als diagnostisches Hilfsmittel bei der Ziege.

Teat endoscopy as a diagnostic procedure in the goat is described in a clinical case of a proliferation in the wall of the teat cisterna. Modifications in proceeding and equipment compared to the common use of endoscopy in the teat of cattle are shown and the additional amount of information in comparison to palpation, sounding and sonography is evaluated.

[Program for early detection of illness level in foals during the first 24 hours of life]. / Programm zur frühzeitigen Erkennung von Krankheitszuständen bei Fohlen in den ersten 24 Lebensstunden.

Basing on exact investigations of normal behaviour and abnormalities in newborn and up to 24 hours old foals a program for evaluation, comprehending exogeniously judgable criteria, was developed. It aims at a quick recognition of aberrations in behaviour. The program includes a score, which allows early diagnosis of even subtile abnormalities. As a result, a veterinary surgeon should be consulted if the score exposes a critical situation, so that therapy can be started in time. Furthermore informations about investigations on blood-glucose- and immunoglobulin-G-concentration in relation to neonatal foal diseases are given.

[Use of visual methods (sonography/endoscopy) for the diagnosis of a webbed teat in cattle. A case report]. / Einsatz bildgebender Verfahren (Sonographie/Endoskopie) zur Diagnose der Beizitze beim Rind. Eine Fallbeschreibung.

The use of visual methods (sonography/endoscopy) for the diagnosis of a webbed teat in a cow with particular consideration of differentiation from a teat fistula is reported. The sonographical and endoscopical investigation of a webbed teat is evaluated concerning its gain of information in comparison to classical diagnostic procedures.

[Analysis of the obstetrical situation in swine from the clinical point of view]. / Analyse der geburtshilflichen Situation beim Schwein aus klinischer Sicht.

In a study including 477 parturitions in sows the obstetrical situation of this species is analyzed from the clinical point of view. Obstetrical interventions before consulting the veterinary clinics led to partly severe lesions of soft tissues of the genital tract in 35.5% of all primiparous and in 12.6% of all pluriparous sows. So 3.1% of all obstetrical patients had to be slaughtered due to the enormous perforating lesions in vestibular-vaginal-cervical parts of the genital tract. In 71 cases parturition could not be completed because of stress, insufficiency of the cardiovascular system or economic reasons. In general, 76% of parturitions came to an end conservatively and 24% by caesarean section. In older sows the relation was 88% vs. 13%. During the recent years the loosing-rate by completed parturition could be reduced to 3.4% after conservative obstetrical intervention and to 20.6% after caesarean section in preinjured sows by compensation of the respiratory and metabolic acidosis, stabilizing of the cardiovascular system and the supply of warmth. Possibilities to diminish total losses are discusses, concerning the large number of animals with injuries due to inappropriate conservative obstetrics as well as the intensification of intra- and postoperative supportive therapy.