In this Study, a total of 50 male Sprague-Dawley rats were usec for comparative evaluation of therapeutic effects of different probiotics, VSL#3 (a combination of different probiotic bacteria), Lactobacillus acidophilus, and kefir in enterocolitis induced by subcutaneous administration of indomethacin (7.5 mg/kg) twice at 24-hour interval as the experimental Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) 1-model. Probiotics were orally administered by orogastric gavage on a daily basis for 7 days after induction of IBD, and then rats were euthanased and tissue samples were obtained for macroscopical and histopathological investigations. At the end of the study, it was concluded that therapeutic efficiency of nix probiotic product, which contained different commercial probiotic bacterial strains, was determined in IBD, and therapeutic efficiency of I was also found to be notable in IBD. However, therapeutic activity of Lactobacillus ocidophilus alone was not satisfactory for BD therapy.
Two commercially available preparations from the disinfectants list of the German Veterinary Association (Deutsche Veterinärmedizinische Gesellschaft e. V. (DVG)) were tested against a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) field isolate in a concentration as recommended in the list for disinfection of bacteria. The "Guidelines of DVG for testing of disinfection methods and chemical disinfectants" were used as methodical base. Initially, the examinations for determination of the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and suitable inactivation substances were carried out. The bactericidal effect of both commercial preparations--a formic acid preparation (55 g per 100 g) and a preparation containing 21 g glutaraldhyde plus 17 g per 100 g formaldehyde--as well as reference disinfectants (37% formaldehyde and 99.5% phenol) were examined in suspension and carrier tests. The suspension tests were performed without and with protein load (20% FBS). Pieces of linden wood were used as carriers. The recommendation of DVG for both Venno Vet 1 super and M&enno Veterinär B neu as bactericide (except of bacterial spores) is 30 min (for preventive disinfections) as well as 120 min contact (for specific disinfections) of 1% concentration. The results show that the disinfection of MRSA do not require higher concentrations and longer contact times as recommended in the disinfectant list of DVG for both commercial disinfectants. Both products were effective in suspension tests in a 1% concentration and within five minutes independent of protein load. In contrast, 1% phenol (reference disinfectant for suspension tests) needed 30 min reaction time without protein load as well as 60 min with protein load for complete inactivation of the MRSA field strain. In carrier tests, a 30 min contact of 1% concentration of both commercial disinfectants and 3% concentration of formalin (reference disinfectant for carrier tests) was sufficient for complete disinfection.
This case report describes a Histomonas meleagridis infection in a German meat turkey flock. The flock consisted of 3090 turkey toms which were held in two separated compartments within one house. At 35 days of age, a necrotizing typhlitis was detected in the pathological examination of birds out of one compartment. Liver lesions could not be shown until further progression of the disease. Diagnosis of histomoniasis was confirmed by PCR from livers of infected animals. Duration of the disease was 40 days. The overall mortality in the affected compartment was 56.7%, whereas the animals of the other compartment did not show any signs of disease. Surviving turkeys demonstrated a body weight development similar to the unaffected compartment and only 0.34% of the animals were rejected at the slaughterhouse. These findings indicate that division of a turkey flock into several subgroups can prevent transmission of Histomonas meleagridis between those groups. Furthermore, a certain minimum stocking rate seems to be necessary for the spread of blackhead disease within one flock through cloacal transmission of the pathogen. Lesser mealworms (Alphitobius diaperinus) which were found in the litter in higher numbers were tested negative for Histomonas meleagridis by PCR. Because of these results, transmission of Histomonas meleogridis into the flock via lesser mealworms seemed not to be very likely.
The present study rates the value of different investigative procedures used to diagnose a congenital hydrocephalus internus of the dog. Six dogs, aged between two and ten months, were presented in our clinic with neurologic signs because of a congenital hydrocephalus internus. After taking a neurologic examination and further diagnostic studies they were euthanized and dissected. The neurologic examination did not help to predict the exact location of the lesion in the brain. Very high amplitudes and low frequencies are the characteristic electroencephalographic pattern of congenital hydrocephalus internus; they occurred in all electroencephalograms (EEGs). Radiologic changes like calvarial enlargement or thinning of the bony walls could be seen only in patients whose brain volumes had increased before the closure of the cranial sutures. The CT images of all dogs showed the dilatations of the cerebral ventricles in their entire size. Examination of the cerebrospinal fluid did not yield uniform findings. Consequently, EEG, conventional diagnostic radiography and computed tomography of the skull are the most important studies for diagnosing a primary hydrocephalus internus. However, the total extent of the lesion can be confirmed only by computed tomography. This is of special interest in case of planning and controlling therapies.
Methicillin resistente Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) sind bei landwirtschaftlichen Nutztieren weit verbreitet. Personengruppen, die direkten Kontakt zu mit MRSA besiedelten landwirtschaftlichen Nutztieren haben, sind einem im Vergleich zur Normalbevolkerung erhohten Risiko einer Kolonisation und nachfolgenden Infektion ausgesetzt. Das von livestock associated (la-)MRSA in der Lebensmittelkette ausgehende Risiko einer Gesundheitsgefahrdung fur den Menschen wird insgesamt als gering eingeschatzt, ist momentan aber noch nicht exakt quantifizierbar. Uber Lebensmittel konnen breite Bevolkerungsschichten exponiert sein, nach derzeitigem Kenntnisstand ist die Konzentration der Erreger im Lebensmittel jedoch gering. Hinweise auf lebensmittelassoziierte menschliche Infektionen (z. B. durch kontaminiertes Rohfleisch) mit laMRSA liegen bisher nicht vor. Weitere Forschungs- und Untersuchungstatigkeiten sind notig, um die nach wie vor vorhandenen Wissenslucken, insbesondere zu den Ubertragungswegen und der Epidemiologie des Erregers, zu schliesen. Die molekulare Typisierung der laMRSA Isolate leistet hierbei einen unverzichtbaren Beitrag.
The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of type of ram presence (permanent vs. intermittent) on estrus onset, estrus duration and frequency of sexual behaviours in Kivircik ewes. During the breeding season, 20 multiparous Kivircik ewes were divided into two groups of permanent (PR) and intermittent (IR) presence of ram. Estrus was synchronized with fluorgestone acetate intravaginal sponges left for 14 days, plus an injection of 600 IU PMSG at the time of sponge removal. PR ewes introduced with ram immediately after sponge removal and remained with the ram throughout the study (5 days). IR ewes were exposed to ram twice a day, only during the observation periods. Behavioural observations were performed twice a day (at 07:00 a. m. and 07:00 p.m.) for a 2-hour period. Estrus onset was 32.40 +/- 1.60 h for PR group and 27.60 +/- 2.40 h for IR group (p > 0.05). Estrus duration was 15.60 +/- 1.83 h and 34.80 +/- 2.15 h for the same groups, respectively (p < 0.001). Standing was the most frequently displayed behaviour in both groups. IR ewes displayed sexual (p < 0.001), eating (p < 0.001), standing (p < 0.001), walking (p < 0.001), urination (p < 0.001) and defecation (p < 0.05) behaviours much more than the PR ewes. Frequency of each sexual behaviour was higher in IR group compared with PR group throughout the study. Among the proceptive behaviours investigated, head-turning was the most frequently displayed behaviour in both groups. Soliciting, non-firm standing, sniffing scrotum and anogenital sniffing behaviours were also expressed by the ewes considerably. It is concluded that, if the ewes are exposed to ram intermittently, behavioural signs of estrus could be recognized more successfully. Furthermore, the possibility of insemination of estrous ewes becomes much higher by the intermittent presence of ram and thus reproductive performance of the herd could be improved.
The objective of the present study was to investigate the role of heat shock proteins (Hsps) as potential stress response marker in several organs of transported pigs, Constitutive (Hsp90, Hsp70 and Hsp27) and inducible (Hsp72 and Hsp86) Hsps expressed in skeletal muscle, heart, liver and kidney of transported young pigs were investigated. The study comprised 13 German Landrace line pigs (mean weight, approx. 35 +/- 1 kg). Eight animals (n = 8) were transported for a period of 6 h, whereas the control group (n = 5) was kept under normal housing conditions. Identification of Hsps was performed by immunoblot using porcine specific antibodies. Although the 5 Hsps were regularly detected in all porcine tissues, no clear up-regulation could be observed due to transportation, Densitometrical analysis of the immunoblots revealed an unexpected result. Every tissue had a significant reduction of at least 2 Hsp members: Kidney (Hsp90 and Hsp70), M, longissimus dorsi (Hsp90 and Hsp72) and M. gluteus maximus superficialis (Hsp90 and Hsp86), liver (Hsp90, Hsp86 and Hsp27). The heart was most affected, all Hsps were significantly reduced by 26% to 41% after 6 h of transportation. The regular reduction of the large Hsp90 and Hsp86 in nearly all tissues examined point to a new and critical role these Hsps might have in counteracting short term stress reactions. The fast reduction of Hsps in fatal organs such as heart and kidney may have a relation to organ failure. Hsp90 level may therefore serve as a potential marker for the stress pigs are suffering during transportation.
Since the middle 1990-s Heck cattle and Konik are increasingly used in nature conservation projects in Germany. What kind of animal welfare problems call appear in year-round grazing with Heck cattle is shown by practical experiences in a nature development project in Lower Saxony in East Friesland. After a rainy winter in spring 2008 cumulative deaths occur accompanied by severe protests from the people living around. The reasons are explained and the emergency measures which were taken by the local veterinary offices to eliminate the animal welfare problems are described.This example shows, that efforts of nature conservation, to left domestic animals in grazing projects largely on there own resources, encounter difficulties as soon as the dimension and the quality/condition of an area is not suitable, to achieve all the keeping requirements of the used species for the hole year.
This report describes the macroscopic, histologic, immunohistologic and ultrastructural characteristics ofa biphasic malignant mesothelioma in the peritoneal and pleural cavity of a 13-year-old Icelandic pony mare, which exhibited recurrent ascites clinically. Immunohistology was performed employing multiple monoclonal antibodies against cytokeratins (CK) and vimentin. The ultrastructural examination included the quantitative evaluation of the length to diameter ratio of the microvilli. Post mortem examination revealed a severe ascites and hydrothorax. The serosal surfaces of the peritoneum and pleura displayed poorly-demarcated, multifocal to coalescing laminar masses and small nodules. Histology revealed a bimorphic mass consisting of spindle-shaped cells and microcystic epithelioid areas. A transcoelomic and local invasive growth pattern as well as lymph node metastases were noticed. Immunohistology revealed a strong expression of CK. Though a low and moderate expression of CK5/6 and CK20 was present, respectively, CK7 and CK10-antigens were lacking. Ultrastructurally, the epithelioid mesothelioma cells displayed long microvilli, cytoplasmic tonofilaments, and desmosomes. Quantitative evaluation of the length to diameter ratio of the 10 longest microvilli revealed a mean value of approximately 16.2. Summarized, this report described the case of a malignant biphasic mesothelioma with an atypical CK20 expression but a characteristic ultrastructural morphology including long microvilli.
A 26-year-old female African elephant (Loxodonta africana) with a history of purulent pododermatitis, recurrent abdominal pain, and severe weight loss died spontaneously after a period of deteriorating disease. The main pathological finding was a severe bilateral pyogranulomatous, partially necrotizing pneumonia with numerous intralesional fungal hyphae. At microbiological examination Aspergillus spp. were isolated. The present case indicates that mycotic pneumonia should to be considered as a differential diagnosis of pulmonary disorders in elephants.
For a couple of years my office had to deal with a huge case of animal hoarding. A wealthy family used to actively collect animals and keep them all on too small pastures, without separating them according to sex, Euthanasia, even of most severely ill animals, was categorically rejected. In July of 2002 we confiscated 142 goats with extreme health problems (especially claw disorders and scabies). At the Darmstadt court we moved for a temporary prohibition of keeping animals according to 20 paragraph of the Law of Protection of Animals. This was juridically confirmed on 17.01.2003. As a result, the whole animals were pro forma transferred to another family member and taken to a neighbouring province. There the livestock increased to 250 horses, 400 pot-bellied pigs, plenty of cattle, sheep, goats, geese and chickens. As some animals were brought back to Hessen, we confiscated 80 horses and 180 pot-bellied pigs. During confiscation there were severe escalations caused by the animal hoarders. After the seized animals had been medically treated and nursed back to health they were given to new owners. Owing to severe health problems, 15 goats, 8 pigs and 4 horses had to be put to sleep, though.
In recent years controversial discussions arose during major animal disease outbreaks in the EU about the ethical soundness of mass culling. In contrast to numerous publications about ethical issues and laboratory animals/animal experiments, literature concerning ethical deliberations in the case of mass culling as a means of outbreak control remain scarce. Veterinarians in charge of decision about and implementation of mass culling actions find themselves in an area of conflict in between the officially required animal disease control policy and a public that is increasingly critical. Those veterinarians are faced with the challenge to defend the relevant decisions against all stakeholders and also themselves. In this context an interdisciplinary workshop was initiated in Switzerland in October 2007 with ethicians and (official) veterinarians from Germany, Switzerland and Austria. With the aim to identify ethical components of animal disease control for official veterinarians, talks and moderated group discussions took place. This article summarizes selected discussion points and conclusions.
Transportation remains a major stressor for pigs leading to altered organ function and thereby affecting also product quality. The underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be clarified. Heat shock proteins (Hsps) are considered to counteract intracellular stress reactions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate changes in the expression and localization of such a major defense molecule, namely Hsp90 in 2 In transported piglets. We analyzed Hsp90 at the protein and transcript level in the heart and kidney using qualitative and quantitative methods. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization of Hsp90 identified the protein and mRNA in the cytoplasm and the nucleus of myocardial and renal tubular epithelial cells. The different localizations demonstrate the vital functions of Hsp90. Endothelial cells of both organs expressed high levels of Hsp90, which could be related to Hsp90 role in regulating blood flow. No obvious morphological changes of the Hsp90 distribution pattern could be identified in the cells of the transported piglet groups. However, using quantitative approaches, we identified a significant decrease of Hsp90 in the hearts at the protein (53.8% reduction, P < 0.05) and mRNA (45.3% reduction, P < 0.05) level. Hsp90 was also decreased in the kidney but did not reach a significant level. These results suggest that a short-term transport of 2 h is sufficient to decrease the amount of a vital stress defense molecule, which could explain transportation induced organ damage.
By treatment of single animals or a live stock a treatment regimen has to be chosen, which guarantees a sufficient concentration of the administered drug in the target tissue. On the other hand, particular care has to be taken to avoid that single animals get a too high, intolerable dose of the administered drug. These elementary requirements must be met by the attending veterinarian.The treatment schedule must be in line with the current phamaceutical law. Some of the most outstanding problems associated with application via feed and water are discussed. Crucial factors apart from practicability are the bioavailability depending on pharmaceutical form and the avoidance of displacements of drugs. Future efforts should focus on the optimization of oral medication.
The expertise on the interpretation of section 11b TierSchG implies a hypertrophy of aggressive behaviour in some bloodlines of Bullterriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Pitbull type dogs. This study aimed at finding out whether a hypertrophy of aggressive behaviour occurred in a certain Bullterrier bloodline. Dogs of this line were tested according to the guidelines of the Dangerous Animals Act of Lower Saxony, Germany (GefTVO) enacted on July 5th 2000. The Bullterriers' test results towards humans and environment were compared to those of 415 dogs affected by the legislation (Mittmann, 2002) and those of 70 Golden Retrievers (Johann, 2004) in order to detect possible differences in the occurrence of inadequate or disturbed aggressive behaviour. Of 38 Bullterriers, ten showed no aggressive behaviour towards humans and the environment. 27 dogs displayed visual or acoustic threats at most. Only one dog reacted by "biting or attacking with preceding threatening behaviour". Thus, according to the test guidelines, 37 dogs (97.37%) reacted appropriately in all test situations. Only one dog (2.63%) displayed inadequate agressive behaviour. No indication for inadequate or disturbed aggressive behaviour in this Bullterrier bloodline was found. Furthermore, no significant differences were found when comparing Bullterriers and dogs of the two others studies concerning inadequate or disturbed aggressive towards humans and the environment. On the contrary, throughout the entire study the broad majority of dogs proved to possess excellent social skills as well as the ability to communicate competently and to solve conflicts appropriately.
A 3-month-old female trotter foal was euthanized due to severe dyspnoea. Pathomorphologically a chronic granulomatous to necrotizing pneumonia was found and Rhodoccocus (R.) equi was isolated microbiologically. An immunohistological method using a murine monoclonal antibody against a 15-17 kDa antigen of virulent R. equi was established in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue sections using various antigen retrieval techniques to optimize the staining results. Microwave treatment was most suitable for the demonstration of bacterial antigen localized predominantly in intralesional macrophages. Immunohistology is an additional method for identifying R. equi-infections in equine tissue and may be useful in retrospective studies on paraffin-embedded archive material.
The objective of this paper was to assess if meat juice is a suitable substrate for virological and serological diagnosis of classical swine fever (CSF). Fifty-six domestic pigs and 21 wild boars experimentally vaccinated and/or infected as well as 129 field samples from wild boars were involved in this study. Meat juice from diaphragm, forequarter and hindquarter was used for investigations. CSFV and viral RNA were detected in meat juice between days 5 and 21 post infection (pi). Animals which had survived the infection were diagnosed virologically negative and antibody-positive in muscle fluid. After vaccination or vaccination and subsequent infection of animals (n = 42), meat juice samples scored serologically positive. The antibody titres of these samples were significantly lower than in serum. Serological investigations of field samples derived from wild boars (n = 75) shot in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania showed a clear correlation between the antibody-positive samples in serum and in meat juice, whereas the serological results of meat juice samples (n = 54) from wild boars collected in Lower Saxony were slightly different. The reasons for these differences are discussed. Nevertheless, meat juice seems to be a suitable substrate for CSF diagnosis, especially for wild boars.
A multicentre field study was conducted in accordance with VICH Guideline on Good Clinical Practice (VICH 2000) to confirm the efficacy and safety of a new formulation of cefquinome for the treatment of naturally occurring severe bacterial infections and septicaemia in foals. Thirty-nine foals suffering from severe bacterial infections (such as pneumonia, gastro-enteritis, arthritis, omphalitis, or wound infections) or acute septicaemia were treated twice daily with the test product (1 mg cefquinome/kg body weight) intravenously for three days and then intramuscularly for three to 11 days. Investigators examined the foals daily and scored both systemic and local clinical signs to assess the response to treatment, treatment success and relapses. On the day of inclusion a blood sample was taken from each foal for IgG determination and blood culture. In case of abnormal clinical findings additional samples were taken for bacteriology. Treatment was successful in 87.2% of cases (34 of 39 foals) and no relapses were observed. The average duration of treatment was 7.5 days. At inclusion, bacterial culture was positive in 40.5% (15 out of 37) of the blood cultures. Escherichia coli, Clostridium perfringens and Staphylococcus spp. were the most common isolates and were all susceptible to cefquinome. E coli predominated in swabs from umbilical and open wound infections, and in rectal swabs E coli. There was no correlation between IgG at inclusion and study outcome or treatment duration. The test product was very well tolerated by all of the foals following intravenous and intramuscular injection. The cefquinome formulation tested was effective and safe in the treatment of severe bacterial infections and septicaemia in foals under field conditions.
A 13-year-old Standardbred gelding was referred for evaluation of continuous abdominal pain. Rectal examination revealed a dislocated large colon (Dislocatio coli ad dextram). The horse showed muscle fasciculations and appeared lethargic. It was sent to surgery because of persistent colic. In transit the gelding showed an unstable walk and immediately prior to surgery a wide-based stance in the hindlimbs. Laparotomy revealed a retroflexion of the large colon and a secundary mesenterial volvulus. After surgery the horse remained recumbent. Due to the comatose state and poor prognosis the gelding was euthanized after 15 hours of recumbency. Necropsy indicated hyperaemic meninges, edema of gliacells and submeningeal tissue with vacuolization and loss of several cerebellar Purkinjecells as well as multiple conglomerates of Alzheimer type II astrocyte groups within the grey matter. Further findings included marked hepatolipidosis, multiple gastric ulcers, small intestinal hyperaemia with mild mononuclear inflammation, tapeworm-infestation of the caecum and moderate chronic enteritis with eosinophilic component in the large intestine. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first case of a horse with colic and concurrent encephalopathy without primary liver disease described in a German-speaking country.
Chronic endometritis can be diagnosed after three weeks post partum. Diagnostic methods such as external inspection and transrectal palpation of the uterus are not accurate enough to find each of the affected cows. An additional vaginal examination is more successful. Manual vaginal examination with the gloved hand or the use of a speculum will be sufficient. A new diagnostic device (Metricheck) seems to be suitable for the diagnosis of endometritis. For the evaluation of a given diagnostic test false-positive and false-negative diagnoses have to be considered. Ultrasonography is established in gynaecological examination in cattle and is adequate to diagnose endometritis accurately. Further diagnostic methods are cytological, histological and bacteriological examinations. Samples can be obtained by biopsy, uteruslavage, swabs or Cytobrush. Recently, precise clinical definitions of uterine diseases were adopted by several international researchers. These definitions should be used in national languages as well. Recent papers described cytological and ultrasonographical examinations for the diagnosis of subclinical endometritis.
