Tieraerztliche Praxis Ausgabe Grosstiere Nutztiere最新文献

In October 2022, an increased incidence of anorectal abscesses occurred within a few days in finishing pigs on a pig fattening farm in north-western Germany. The farm keeps approx. 3000 pigs. Only finishing pigs (approx. 100 kg) in various stall compartments and pens were affected. The affected pigs developed purulent-inflammatory changes in the region between rectum, anus, and base of the tail. Signs of mechanical injuries or cannibalism were not evident. The owner reported a sudden refusal to feed about two weeks prior to the appearance of the abscesses. A new batch of corn-cob-mix was used from this point onwards. The animals were given liquid feed consisting of grain (barley, wheat), corn-cob-mix and supplementary feed. Atypical black particles the size of a pinhead were found in the mixing container of the liquid feed. After consultation with the farmer who had grown the maize used for the corn-cob mix, common datura (Datura stramonium) was identified as a contaminant. Pigs are known to be susceptible to the antinutritive effects of datura. In addition to feed refusal, this also induces a reduction of gastrointestinal peristaltic movement. In the present case, constipation was not directly observed in the affected pigs by the farmer, however, this nevertheless appears to represent the likely cause of the dermal changes. Subsequently, the datura contamination could be involved in the pathogenesis of the described anorectal abscesses.

Alpacas' welfare needs a multidisciplinary approach, combining applied ethology, animal husbandry and veterinary science. This article reviews issues such as key sources of alpacas' stress, their responses in stressful situations from behavioral and physiological perspectives and possibilities to develop positive human-animal relationships as well as improve well-being of alpacas kept in the European conditions and used for fiber production and tourism. The review was divided into 3 main areas: (i) stress regulation and assessment in alpacas, (ii) alpacas' welfare and Five Freedoms, (iii) the importance of behavioral knowledge to improve alpacas' welfare. Besides many potential factors inducing alpacas' stress response and decreasing quality of life in these animals, there is a number of possibilities to optimize their welfare and increase behavioral comfort. Proper alpaca care should be based on knowledge about this species' behavioral repertoire and rules of animal management practice as they could help optimize their welfare level. Keeping the duration of routine husbandry procedures short, ensuring sufficient space in the area with access to species-appropriate feed and contact with conspecifics, as well as using positive training techniques can significantly benefit animals. It can improve the quality of their life.

The study aim was to assess the success of a novel adhesive technique in piglets with umbilical herniation in comparison to standard surgical procedure as well as no treatment.In a pilot phase, piglets with umbilical hernias were observed up to weaning and remained either untreated, underwent surgery or were treated by application of a 2.5 cm wide adhesive tape diagonally across the hernial orifice following the reposition of the umbilical protrusion. In accordance to the success rate, an appropriate sample size was calculated for a subsequent study, in which 50 affected piglets were systematically treated with the new taping technique and compared with 50 affected piglets remaining untreated. Mortality, daily weight gains, widths of hernia orifices and hernia sac sizes were recorded.In the pilot phase, mortality in untreated animals was 24%. In 52% of the surviving animals the umbilical hernias resolved spontaneously by weaning. In the taped piglet group 9% of the animals died and 90% of hernias resolved by weaning. Following umbilical hernia surgery the mortality rate amounted to 35% and the recurrence rate was 63%. For this reason, surgery was not performed in the subsequent main study.The systematic comparison of the taping technique with an untreated control group in the main study resulted in a mortality rate of 20% in the control group and 8% in the experimental group up to week 15 of life. The healing rate up to fattening (survived and without umbilical hernia) was 50% in the control group and 84% in the experimental group (p=0.01). Animals that were included in the trial with a two-finger wide hernia orifice or / and a walnut sized hernia sac were significantly more likely to have to be taped up to three times. The size of the hernia orifice had a negative influence on the daily weight gain during the suckling period (p=0.02).Approximately half of all umbilical hernias resolve spontaneously. The loss and recurrence rate after umbilical hernia surgery is high. A taping technique for reposition of the hernia sac in the early suckling piglet period can significantly improve the healing rate of umbilical hernias.A taping technique for treating umbilical hernias during the suckling piglet period can significantly reduce losses due to this condition.

The initiation of embryo cryopreservation programs is recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to preserve genetic resources of old farm animal breeds. Rotes Höhenvieh is one of the German breeds listed as "observation population" by the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE). In vitro embryo production (IVP) is an assisted reproductive biotechnology that can generate embryos from cows with reproductive disorders. A 16-year-old cow of the breed Rotes Höhenvieh with a history of failed natural breeding attempts was presented to the Institute of Farm Animal Genetics of the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut (FLI) with the aim to produce and cryopreserve embryos by utilizing assisted reproductive technologies. A follicle stimulation protocol for the retrieval of in vivo matured oocytes by ovum pick-up (OPU) was applied to 3 sessions of IVP. Oocytes were fertilized in vitro with frozen-thawed semen of 2 Rotes Höhenvieh bulls. After adjustments on the IVP protocol, 3 viable embryos could be produced for cryopreservation and long-term storage in the German Gene Bank of Farm Animals at the FLI.In conclusion, the implementation of in vivo oocyte maturation in combination with in vitro embryo production in aged cows offers a vital strategy for preserving the genetics of endangered old farm animal breeds.

According to the literature, the dystocia rate in sows lies between 10-55%. Manual obstetrics (MO) is used to counteract the negative effects of dystocia, such as increased stillbirth rates. Data on birth intervals associated with an increased risk of stillbirth, vary between 30-60 min. With increasing farrowing duration in today's high-prolific sows farrowing supervision with appropriate obstetric intervention are increasingly relevant. The aim of this study was to test a differentiated obstetric intervention protocol in high-prolific sows to reduce the stillbirth rate. The study aimed to contribute to the harmonization of data on the birth physiology of these animals and to elucidate the frequency of necessary obstetric interventions.210 births of Yorkshire Landrace hybrid sows housed in crates were observed. The sows farrowed spontaneously (G1, n=70) or were treated with cloprostenol to induce parturition on the 114th day of gestation and farrowed within 12-24 h (G2, n=63) or after >24 h (G3, n=77). MO was administered if the interval between two piglets exceeded 60 min after the 1^st, 45 min after the 2^nd-5^th and 30 min after the 6^th and subsequent piglets. The births were grouped according to birth induction (G1, G2, G3), parity (P1, P2-4, P≥5) and litter size (W5-14, W15-18; W19-22, W≥23) and compared in terms of farrowing characteristics.In W19-22 and W≥23, MO was performed more often than in smaller litters (81.1% and 85.2% vs.≤60%; p≤0.02 respectively). MO was performed more frequently in P≥5 than in P2-4 and P1 (87.7% vs. 73.3% and 60.3%; p≤0.05 respectively). In the second half of the birth, the rate of MO was more than twice as high as in P1 and P2-4 at 30-60%. The proportion of stillborn piglets increased linearly with the relative birth rank and averaged 5.2%. At W≥23, the stillbirth rate was twice as high as for litter sizes up to 18 piglets, despite more frequent MO.The low stillbirth rate indicates that the obstetric intervention protocol shortens the duration of parturition and reduces stillbirths, especially in sows≥5th litter. However, its use has to be negotiated against economic (availability of personnel) and hygienic aspects (risk of infection due to frequent MO).

Rhodococcus (R.) equi is a common causative agent of the septic arthritis, physitis, and osteomyelitis (SAPO) complex in foals, often resulting from hematogenous dissemination or perforating trauma. The early detection of osteomyelitis is challenging, and treatment has a guarded prognosis.A 3-month-old warmblood filly was presented with severe lameness, swelling, and palpable heat in the right cubital region. Ultrasonographic examination revealed signs suggestive of septic arthritis. Joint lavage and intra-articular injection of antibiotic were performed, but synovial swab cultures were sterile. Subsequently worsened lameness and increased body temperature prompted further investigations, confirming physitis and lung involvement. Definitive R. equi diagnosis was obtained from physeal curettage samples. Surgical drainage and repeated curettage were performed, along with antibiotic therapy based on antibiograms.Radiographic follow-ups showed reduction in bone defect size, and magnetic field therapy was employed during hospitalization, additionally to medical and surgical treatment. Long-term follow-up indicated sustained improvement without recurrence.This case demonstrates that early recognition of R. equi orthopedic infections requires a multidisciplinary approach and comprehensive diagnostic testing, including imaging and culture for antibiogram-guided therapy. In cases of P-type bone infection aggressive surgical treatment, consisting of repeated curettage of the involved physis is essential to address underlying pathology and promote tissue healing. Despite associated challenges and costs, these procedures significantly improve long-term outcomes.

This article provides an overview of the clinically relevant functions and metabolic processes of selenium. Especially equine and bovine neonates are affected by selenium deficiency leading to serious consequences. Severe selenium deficiency may especially result in skeletal and/or heart muscles damage, which can result in serious illness and death of the animal. The typical clinical picture is known under various names and is often referred to as rhabdomyolysis, or more precisely as nutritional muscular dystrophy (NMD) and in the past usually as white muscle disease. Early recognition of nutritional muscular dystrophy (NMD) is crucial for prognosis. The typical clinical signs and treatment options are described in this summary. A single selenium injection can raise deficient selenium concentrations in calves and foals preventing serious illness. As Germany is widely regarded as a selenium deficiency area, a single selenium injection can be given to the affected calf or foal in case a selenium deficiency is suspected based on the history and clinical signs, in order to avert serious health consequences due to NMD. The suspicion should be verified by serum selenium analysis so that further appropriate measures are implemented. In calves, a manufacturer-compliant dosage of 5.5 mg sodium selenite and 750 mg vitamin E (all-rac-alpha-tocopherolacetat) did not result in an oversupply of selenium. Particular importance should be granted to the adequate supply of selenium to the dam during pregnancy and is more important than selenium intake via the colostrum.

The aim of this study was to evaluate pathological findings in New World camels (NWC) with regard to possible effects on veterinary management.As part of this retrospective study, 598 necropsy findings of 70 llamas and 521 alpacas from the years 2019-2023 were analysed, 7 findings were classified as New World camelids. The findings were provided anonymously by 13 pathological examination institutes in Germany.Of the animals examined, 35.7% were found to be in a cachectic nutritional status, and in 27.4%, nutritional status was labelled as poor or moderate.Pathological findings in the gastrointestinal tract were most frequent, being observed in 49.5% of the animals. Of these cases, 59.8% showed enteritis, 33.1% gastritis and 22.6% gastric ulceration. Endoparasite infestation was the second most common finding (44.7%). Statistical analysis showed that alpacas were significantly more likely to have poor nutritional status than llamas (p<0.05). The presence of dental abnormalities (p<0.01) or inflammation in the oral area (p=0,01) had a significant effect on the nutritional status. The presence of endoparasite infestation also exerted a significant influence (p=0.001). In the current study, llamas exhibited enteritis more frequently than alpacas and adult and geriatric animals were more frequently affected than younger animals (juvenile, neonate, foetus) (p<0.05). A significant correlation was found between the occurrence of ulceration and the presence of skin lesions (p<0.05).The study shows that a variety of diseases may be the cause of death in llamas and alpacas. The challenges in the areas of parasite management, dental health and nutritional status should be emphasised. These could be mitigated by proper veterinary health monitoring as part of herd management.

The female German Holstein calf presented here was born with a complete additional forelimb. The forelimb's attachment point was between the shoulder blades. This is referred to as notomelia, a form of polymelia. On the 15^th day of the calf's life, the additional limb was removed surgically. The surgery and wound healing progressed in a satisfactory manner. The cytogenetic tests did not reveal any chromosomal abnormalities. Genetic testing showed no indication of presence of a chimera that could be the cause of the anomaly. Antigens of the Schmallenberg virus were not detected, an antibody titer against the virus was present at birth and on the 15^th day of life.

Escherichia (E.) coli is one of the most important environmentally associated mastitis pathogens worldwide. Gram-negative bacteria can cause numerous clinical symptoms. Lipopolysaccharide (cell wall component of gram-negative bacteria) triggers an immune reaction in the mammary gland. Individual cow-associated factors such as lactation stage and age also play a major role. Due to the different forms of mastitis, there are also different therapeutic approaches. Severe cases of mastitis are treated with systemic antimicrobial therapy. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing in compliance with international standards is essential for this approach. One major focus is a more targeted use of antimicrobials and a reduction of critically important antimicrobials in practice to avoid development of multidrug resistant bacteria.To determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of mastitis-associated E. coli, isolates originating from quarter milk samples of cows with mastitis were tested using different phenotypic methods. The antimicrobial resistance was tested using agar disk diffusion test (ADD, ampicillin, cefoperazone, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, kanamycin/cefalexin, ciprofloxacin, cefepime, gentamicin, kanamycin, tetracycline, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) and a commercially available broth microdilution method (MICRONAUT-S Mastitis 3, Bruker Corporation, Billerica, Massachusetts, USA) for determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC, ampicillin, cefazolin, cefoperazone, cefquinom, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, kanamycin/cefalexin, and marbofloxacin). To investigate extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production and AmpC-producing the Mast D68C test (D68C MASTDISCS, Mast Group Ltd, UK) was used.In both methods isolates showed a high in vitro susceptibility to quinolones and fluoroquinolones, 3^rd and 4^th generation cephalosporins and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. In contrast, high resistance rates were found against trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (24.0%), tetracycline (17.5%) and ampicillin (ADD 19.5%). Four isolates were phenotypically ESBL positive; none of the isolates showed phenotypically AmpC β-lactamase activity.Based on the results, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid can be considered an alternative option for antimicrobial treatment of E. coli mastitis in bovines. However, further studies are necessary to confirm in vivo efficacy. The targeted use of antimicrobial substances in human and veterinary medicine is essential to restrain the development of ESBL -producing bacteria.