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Introduction: The aim of the study was to investigate changes in the serum levels of adiponectin and TNF-α, as well as insulin sensitivity, and to elucidate the possible relationship among the parameters and negative energy balance during the periparturient period of dairy cows. Material and Methods: Thirty primiparous Holstein dairy cows were selected for the study. Blood samples were collected from each cow seven days before the expected calving date, on the calving day, and 7, 14, and 21 days after calving. Blood non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), glucose, insulin, adiponectin, and TNF- α levels were measured. Revised Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (rQUICKI) was calculated using data on NEFA, insulin, and glucose concentrations. Results: When compared to prepartum levels, serum concentration of adiponectin significantly increased on day 21 postpartum. The rQUICKI increased and NEFA levels decreased on day 7 after parturition. Insulin and glucose levels decreased on days 7, 14, and 21 postpartum when compared with prepartum levels. BHBA levels decreased on day 21 and TNF- α concentration also decreased on days 7, 14, and 21 postpartum. Adiponectin levels positively correlated with NEFA during the preparturient period. Negative correlation was detected between adiponectin and rQUICKI on calving day and on 14th day after parturition. TNF- α concentration positively correlated with glucose levels on day 7 prepartum and on 21st day postpartum and with rQUICKI on 21st day postpartum. Negative correlation was detected between adiponectin level and insulin sensitivity. Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, we concluded that adiponectin could possibly increase insulin sensitivity when blood NEFA concentrations are elevated.

Increasing energy demands of high-yielding dairy cow in postpartum period results almost always with negative energy balance (NEB). According to the degree of NEB, dairy cows could suffer from clinical or subclinical ketosis. The aim of the presented study was to evaluate the incidence and difference between incidences of clinical and subclinical ketosis in three regions with highest cattle population in Turkey; Marmara, Aegean and Mediterranean regions. Cattle (n = 980) from three regions (2 farms from each region) were selected for the study. Milk yields, management and feeding factors of all farms were similar. Blood samples were collected on days 14-21 and sixth week after calving. Blood beta hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) and glucose levels were measured. Cows with serum BHBA > 1.2 mmol/l and negative urine ketone test were designated as suffering subclinical ketosis (SCK). Cows with serum BHBA > 1.2 mmol/l, positive urine test and clinical findings such as anorexia, fatigue, depression, constipation and decrease in contractions of rumen were designated as suffering clinical ketosis (CK). Animals without any clinical finding and serum BHBA levels lower than 1.2 mmol/l at the time of sampling were designated as healthy. In Mediterranian region, 12 (3,8%) and 46 (14,8%) of 315; in Aegean region, 24 (7,3%) and 54 (16,6%) of 325, and in Maramara region, 33 (9,7%) and 76 (22,3%) of 340 cows were suffered from CK and SCK respectively in postpartum period. Blood glucose levels of CK cows was lower than SCK cows and blood glucose levels of both types of ketosis were lower than healthy animals in animals from all three regions. The results of the presented study indicate that incidence of CK and SCK is much higher than average incidence rates in other surveys. Especially incidence higher than 20% in Marmara region demonstrates that there are crucial errors in management and feeding in that region. Postpartum dönemde yüksek süt verimli ineklerde artan enerji gereksinimi neredeyse her zaman negatif enerji dengesi (NED) ile sonuçlanır. NED’nin derecesine göre süt sığırlarında klinik veya subklinik ketozis meydana gelebilir. Sunulan çalışmanın amacı Türkiye’de en çok sığır popülasyonunun bulunduğu üç bölgede; Marmara, Ege ve Akdeniz’de ketozis ve subklinik ketozis insidansı ve insidanslar arasındaki farkı değerlendirmekti. Çalışma için sığırlar (n: 980) üç bölgeden (her bölgeden 2 çiftlik) seçildi. Süt verimleri, yönetim ve beslenme faktörleri bütün çiftliklerde benzerdi. Kan numuneleri postpartum 14-21. günlerde ve 6. haftada alındı. Kan Beta Hidroksi Bütirik Asit (BHBA) ve glukoz seviyeleri ölçüldü. Serum BHBA seviyesi > 1.2 mmol/l ve idrar keton testi negatif olan inekler subklinik ketozis (SKK), serum BHBA > 1.2 mmol/l ve idrar testi pozitif, anoreksi, halsizlik, depresyon, konstipasyon ve rumen kontraksiyonu azalmış olan inekler klinik ketozis (KK) olarak belirlenmiştir. Herhangi bir klinik bulgu göstermeyen ve örnekleme sırasında serum BHBA seviyesi 1.2 mmol/l’den düşük hayvanlar sağlıklı olarak belirlenmiştir. Akdeniz bölgesinde postpartum dönemdeki 315 inekten 12’si (%3,8) ve 46’sı (%14,8); Ege bölgesinde 325 inekten 24’ü (%7,3) ve 54’ü (%16,6) ve Marmara bölgesinde 340 inekten 33 (%9,7) ve 76’sı (%22,3) sırası ile KK ve SKK’li olarak tespit edildi. KK’li ineklerde kan glukoz seviyesi SKK’li ineklerden daha düşüktü ve üç bölgede de her iki tip ketozisli hayvanların kan glukoz seviyesi sağlıklı hayvanlardan daha düşüktü. Sunulan çalışmanın sonuçları göstermektedir ki KK ve SKK insidansı diğer araştırmalardaki ortalama insidanstan daha yüksektir. Özellikle Marmara bölgesinde insidansın % 20’den daha yüksek olması gösteriyor ki bu bölgede önemli beslenme ve yönetim hataları bulunmaktadır.

Serum lipids and lipoprotein concentrations have been associated with dominance aggression in humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the link between serum lipids, including cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC) to HDL-C ratio and dominance aggression in dogs. Levels of serum TC, triglyceride and HDL-C were significantly lower in dogs with dominance aggression compared with non-aggressive dogs (P < 0.001). These results suggest that a relationship exists between serum lipid profile and dominance aggression in dogs, and hypocholesterolaemia exists in dogs with dominance aggression.

Monensin is a carboxylic polyether ionophore producedby a naturally occurring strain of Streptomycescinnamonensis. 1 Monensin is available in variousforms for use in cattle. It can be incorporated into feed as a powderor given as a ruminal bolus by the use of controlled releasedcapsules. 2–4 The capsules consist of a plastic cylinder with foldingwings, which allow the capsule to be retained in the rumen. 1,3 Monensin improves the efficiency of energy metabolism, increasesthe flow of protein to the small intestine, alters mineral metabolismand decreases the occurrence of ruminal disorders, includingbloat and lactic acidosis. 2 Its effects on energy metabolism are todecrease butyrate concentration, increase propionate concentra-tion, a glycogenic effect that is independent of rumen fermenta-tion, and to decrease the circulation of free fatty acids. 2,3 Therefore, the potential effects of monensin on glucose productionare of great importance to dairy cows in early lactation, especiallythose with a negative energy balance and at risk for ketosis. 1–3,5 The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy ofthe monensin controlled release capsule (Rumensin® CRC),administered prepartum, on blood metabolites in periparturientdairy cows.

TOXIC epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a rare dermatological disorder characterised by widespread erythema, necrosis and bullous detachment of the epidermis and mucous membranes, resulting in exfoliation of the skin and possibly leading to sepsis and/or death (Lyell 1956, Lebargy and others 1997). The epithelium of the gut and airways can also be affected, causing clinical signs such as profuse diarrhoea and respiratory distress. Studies conducted in human beings have revealed that detachment of the epidermis is a result of disseminated apoptosis of keratinocytes and that the death of these cells is most likely caused by cytotoxic lymphocytes, monocytes and macrophages (Paul and others 1996). TEN in human beings is most commonly a drug-induced disease caused by antibiotics (such as sulfonamids, macrolides, penicillins, ampicillin and some quinolones (eg, ciprofloxacin), antiepileptic drugs and NSAIDs. However, the disorder has other potential aetiologies in human beings, including Mycoplasma pneumonia infection, malignancy and vaccinations (Fournier and others 1995, Tay and others 1996). M pneumonia -related TEN cases in human beings are usually milder than drug-induced ones, and generally only 10 per cent of the skin is involved (Tay and others 1996). The pathophysiology of TEN has not been fully elucidated, but it has been suggested that this disease is an immune-related cytotoxic reaction that destroys keratinocytes expressing a foreign antigen (Paul and others 1996). TEN is a clinical diagnosis confirmed by histopathological analysis of skin lesions. There are only two reports regarding TEN in cattle (Yeruham and others 1999a, b). These studies reported cases of TEN in calves; however, because no underlying cause for disease was detected, the cases were classified as idiopathic (Yeruham and others 1999b). This short communication describes an association …

Outbreak of malignant oedema in sheep following vaccination with a multivalent clostridial bacterin-toxoid

Summary Objective: Description of clinical, biochemical and haematological changes in Saanen goat kids post-exposure to a naturally occurring heat stroke. Material and methods: The experimental group consisted of goats of different age (1–4 months) and sex (8 males, 12 females) with an average weight of 7.2 ± 3.1 kg. Twenty clinically healthy, three to four months old, Saanen goat kids (sex-ratio 1:1) were used as a control. The average body weight in this group was 9.4 ± 2.6 kg. Case history, clinical signs, and results of haematology and blood biochemistry were documented in all goat kids. Results: Most common findings were hyperthermia, ataxia, muscle tremor and depression. Increased serum urea, creatinine, potassium and plasma lactate concentrations as well as an increase in aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activity were observed in goats post-exposure to heat stroke when compared to the control group. Two goat kids died despite supportive treatment. Physical and biochemical blood parameters improved following treatment. Conclusion: This is the first study on heat stroke in Saanen goat kids. Heatstroke may be fatal in Saanen goat kids, despite appropriate treatment, and may lead to secondary complications. Plasma lactate concentration seems to be a reliable indicator for the prognosis of heat stroke in goat kids.

Objective To determine the clinical efficacy of subconjunctival injection of clindamycin in the treatment of naturally occurring infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK). Animals studied Clinically, out of 81 animals examined, 46 were found to be suffering from IBK of variable severity. The ocular secretions were collected and cultured for Moraxella bovis. The study included 36 Holstein cattle from which M. Bovis was isolated. These animals ranged between 4 and 28 months of age. Procedures The severity of the clinical findings were scored as normal, mild, moderate, and severe. Clindamycin was injected subconjunctivally at a total dose of 150 mg (1 mL), once daily for 3 days to the test group (n = 18); isotonic saline solution (1 mL) was administered to the control group. After treatment, all cattle were re-examined and clinical response was evaluated on days 3, 7 and 15 post-treatment. Results Compared with the control group and prior to treatment, all active lesions such as blepharospasm, epiphora, photophobia, chemosis, corneal edema, and corneal ulceration were generally resolved by day 15 after subconjunctival injection of clindamycin. Severity of IBK lesions increased on days 3 and 7, compared to baseline in the control group administered isotonic saline solution. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that subconjunctival injection of clindamycin is effective in the treatment of naturally occurring infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis.

Endotoxin is a potent stimulator of the inflammatory response and is believed to initiate the pathology in gram-negative sepsis. Agents are being searched for that bind and neutralize or block the effects of endotoxin. The aim was to study the anti-endotoxic effects of polymyxin-E (colistin) in endotoxaemic dogs. The study included a total of 30 endotoxaemic dogs, which were divided into two groups (control = 15; test = 15) of both sexes, different breeds and ages. Hetastarch colloid solution (Expahes(R),10 mL/kg, i.v.) with lactated Ringer's solution (20 mL/kg, i.v., Q12 h) was given to all dogs. While ampicillin was administered (Alfasilin(R), 10 mg/kg, i.m., Q12 h) as an antibacterial to the control group, colistin (12 500 IU/kg, i.m., Q12 h) + ampicillin were administered to the test group. The clinical examination (body temperature, pulse and respiration rates, capillary filling times, peripheral pulse qualities, dehydration degrees), hematological and biochemical examinations (WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT, thrombocyte, serum urea, creatinine and TNF-alpha) were performed both before the treatment, and 2, 4, 12 and 24 h after the treatment. In comparison with the control group, it was observed that test group had shorter capillary filling time at 24 h (P < 0.001). Moreover, the degree of dehydration in test group, was significantly improved at 24 h (P < 0.01). While the differences in peripheral pulse qualities significantly differed between 0 and 2 h in controls, at 2, 4, 24 h after treatment it was found to be significantly increased when compared with 0 h in the test group. Serum TNF-alpha concentrations were statistically decreased in the test group between 0 h and other times (P < 0.01). When compared with controls, serum TNF-alpha concentrations were lower at 2, 4, 12 and 24 h in test group (P < 0.05). Results of the study indicated that polymyxin-E (colistin) has an anti-endotoxic effect and is safe for the dogs with endotoxemia at the dosage used in this study.

PARATUBERCULOSIS is a debilitating disease of livestock caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). Its control is very important for the industry because of the economic loss caused by decreased milk yield, pregnancy rate and increased veterinary costs ([Murray and Smith 2002][

In this study, the clinical findings and results of haematological and biochemical analyses of 26 cattle with botulism were evaluated. The most important clinical signs in the affected cattle included: decreased appetite, ataxia, difficulty to rise, loss of tongue tone, salivation and bradycardia. A definitive diagnosis of botulism was based on demonstration of the preformed toxin in ruminal and intestinal contents and feed materials including poultry litter, by mouse inoculation test. This study is the first confirmation, by direct toxin isolation, of Clostridium botulinum type C and Clostridium botulinum type D in cattle, in Turkey.