CARBÚNCULO SINTOMÁTICO EM BOVINO: EVOLUÇÃO CLÍNICA E TERAPÊUTICA

Clostridial diseases are common infections in cattle herds, caused by microorganisms of the genus Clostridium that mainly affect younger animals. This study aims to report the clinical evolution and treatment of a bovine affected with symptomatic blackleg. The patient had no vaccination history for clostridial disease and belonged to a group of animals in which three sudden deaths had already occurred in a short time. In the physical evaluation of the animal in sternal recumbency, typical clinical signs of blackleg, edema and crackling in the pelvic limb and scapular region and lameness when placed in the station were determined. Edema was also observed in the head region, but this clinical sign is not frequently reported in the scientific literature. Even with an unfavorable prognosis due to the severe manifestation of the disease and a large part of the studies showing a lethality rate of almost 100%, it was decided to try to carry out the necessary therapeutic methods. Support treatment and drug administration were performed, especially antibiotic therapy with penicillin. In addition, a surgical procedure was carried out by making incisions in the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the affected limb (a method not yet described in the scientific literature) to reduce the proliferation of Clostridium. After thirty-two days of treatment, the animal got a complete clinical cure. Therapeutic measures were sufficient to recover the patient's health.As clostridioses são infecções comuns em rebanhos bovinos, causadas por microrganismos do gênero Clostridium e que afetam principalmente animais mais jovens. O objetivo deste estudo é relatar a evolução clínica e tratamento de um bovino acometido com carbúnculo sintomático. A paciente não apresentava histórico vacinal para clostridiose, e pertencia a um lote de animais em que já haviam ocorrido três mortes súbitas em curto período de tempo. Na avaliação física do animal em decúbito esternal, foram constatados sinais clínicos típicos de carbúnculo sintomático, edema e crepitação em membro pélvico e região escapular, além de claudicação quando colocado em estação. Também foi observado edema na região da cabeça, porém este sinal clínico não é frequentemente relatado em literatura científica. Mesmo com prognóstico desfavorável devido à manifestação grave da doença e grande parte das pesquisas mostrarem taxa de letalidade de quase 100%, optou-se pela tentativa de realizar as medidas terapêuticas necessárias. Foi realizado tratamento suporte e administração de fármacos, destacando-se a antibioticoterapia com penicilina. Além disso, também foi conduzido o procedimento cirúrgico por meio de confecção de incisões na pele e no subcutâneo do membro afetado (método ainda não descrito na literatura científica) com objetivo de reduzir a proliferação do Clostridium. Após 32 dias de tratamento, o animal obteve

INDUÇÃO DE LACTAÇÃO EM VACAS LEITEIRAS COM DOSE HORMONAL REDUZIDA - PROJETO PILOTO

High culling rates of dairy cows related to low reproductive indices are found in commercial herds. The therapeutic use of hormones to induce lactation in healthy animals is a reality. The hormonal doses used are high and there is a need for experiments to prove the possibility of reduction. In this context, this study aimed to reduce the hormonal doses in dairy cows submitted to a lactation induction protocol from 0.71mg/kg of body weight (BW) of estradiol benzoate to 0.005mg/kg BW. Four dairy cows received hormone treatment for 18 days and started the induced lactation after this period. The cows had a production of 32±4.3kg at the induced lactational peak. The lactational response of the cows was considered satisfactory and motivating for larger scale experimentation. However, further studies are needed to scientifically prove what was observed in this pilot project.Elevadas taxas de descarte de vacas leiteiras relacionadas a baixos índices reprodutivos são observadas nos rebanhos comerciais. A utilização terapêutica de hormônios no intuito de induzir a lactação em animais hígidos é uma realidade. As doses hormonais utilizadas são elevadas e há a necessidade de experimentos que comprovem a possibilidade de redução. Nesse contexto, o objetivo desse projeto piloto foi reduzir as doses hormonais em vacas leiteiras submetidas a um protocolo de indução de lactação de 0,71mg/kg de peso vivo (PV) de benzoato de estradiol para 0,005mg/kg PV. Quatro vacas leiteiras receberam tratamento hormonal por 18 dias e iniciaram a lactação induzida após esse período. As vacas apresentaram produção de 32±4,3kg no pico lactacional induzido. A resposta lactacional das vacas foi considerada satisfatória e motivadora para experimentação de maior escala. Entretanto, são necessários estudos futuros que comprovem cientificamente o que foi encontrado nesse projeto piloto

Ultrassonografia na confirmação de deslocamento de abomaso à esquerda em vaca leiteira: relato de caso

O constante desenvolvimento da bovinocultura leiteira é acompanhado pela criação de animais com maior potencial genético e produtivo, necessitando de avanços relacionados ao manejo, nutrição, controle de doenças, dentre outros. Com isso, é de extrema importância o aperfeiçoamento de técnicas para exames de diagnóstico que possam ser empregados na rotina clínica à campo. Objetiva-se relatar um caso de diagnóstico de deslocamento de abomaso à esquerda em bovino, realizado por meio de avaliação ultrassonográfica trans-abdominal. A paciente apresentou sinais clínicos sugestivos desta enfermidade e presença de som metálico “ping” na auscultação. Foi realizado exame ultrassonográfico por meio de varredura dos últimos espaços intercostais do antímero esquerdo para confirmação da presença do abomaso em local atípico. O diagnóstico foi validado por laparotomia exploratória pelo flanco direito, seguida por esvaziamento e correção do abomaso para posição anatômica original. O animal retornou gradualmente a alimentação e produção de leite normais, apresentando-se clinicamente saudável. Portanto, a avaliação ultrassonográfica trans-abdominal foi capaz de confirmar o diagnóstico de deslocamento de abomaso e auxiliou para que a saúde e bem-estar da paciente fossem reestabelecidos através do tratamento instituído. O diagnóstico por imagem apresenta elevado potencial para disseminação na clínica médica de bovinos, especialmente em atendimentos à campo

Bone Radiographic Changes in Slaughter Buffalos with Low Body Condition Index

Background: The largest buffalo herd in Brazil is located on the Island of Marajó, in the State of Pará, northern Brazil. The pastures of the Island of Marajó consist of low quality graminaceous plants, which are generally poor in protein and mineral content. Unbalanced diets associated with low quality pastures are responsible for latent, sub-clinical diseases and metabolic disorders in bovines which affect bone health, especially in periods such as pregnancy and lactation. The purpose of this study was to point out and to describe the radiographic bone changes of buffalos with low body index bred in extensive system and intended for slaughter on the Island of Marajó, Brazil.Materials, Methods & Results: Radiographic examinations of anatomical pieces were obtained from 34 animals of buffalo species, with no distinction of gender, age, or breed. The animals were selected among those that were in the stockyard waiting for slaughtering for the obtainment of the anatomical pieces. For this selection, low physical condition was considered, which mainly included individuals with body condition indexes (ICC) of 1 and 2, on a scale of 1 to 5. From this selection, 98 anatomical pieces were obtained, which included: 28 sets of ribs, 20 femurs, 26 metacarpus, 7 mandibles, 3 radius and ulnas, 4 sets of vertebrae, 4 sets of metacarpus and phalanges, 1 tarsus and 1 set of tarsus and metatarsus. All the pieces were separated, identified, packed in plastic bag and forwarded to the radiographic study. At least one radiographic projection was obtained of each anatomical piece. These were identified, manually processed and stored for subsequent assessment. A single observer, in order to identify and to describe the bone radiographic changes, subjectively performed the radiographic assessment.Discussion: Bone changes were remarkable and in animals of this study, reinforcing the nutritional aspect as being of great importance for the perfect mineral homeostasis and for the osteoarticular system maintenance. Consistent radiographic findings with osteopenia are most often related to nutritional disorders that affect bone metabolism, mainly involving the homeostasis of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P). The nutritional hyperparathyroidism, more commonly reported in dogs, cats and exotic animals is a common example of these affections, in which the bone radiopacity reduction is the most evident radiographic aspect. Copper (Cu) deficiency has been correlated with osteochondrosis, epiphyseal fracture of the femoral head and degenerative arthropathy of the hip joint, and erosion of the articular cartilage in a deer (Cervu selaphus). Degenerative arthropathy through radiographs was also found in this study. From the bone radiographic analysis, it is concluded that the osteodystrophic diseases of buffalos raised in pasture system on the Island of Marajó, Pará, Brazil, present a variety of pathological conditions and the most commonly found were: osteoporosis characterized at the radiographic examination for the bone decreased radiopacity, change in bone trabeculae (medullary expansion) and cortical thinning, followed by pathological fractures with high incidence in the ribs. The low body condition, the underdevelopment and cachexia states of the animals in this study indicate the lack of an appropriate prophylactic conduct and a proper feed management. Therefore, the low reserves of P and Cu in the organism may have contributed to the osteoporotic process and, possibly, also to the protein-energy deficit, leading to secondary bone changes and causing a lack of productivity in the herd

Ultrassonografia na confirmação de deslocamento de abomaso à esquerda em vaca leiteira: relato de caso

The constant development of dairy cattle herds is accompanied by the creation of animals with high genetic and productive potential, requiring advances related to management, nutrition, disease control, among others. Thus, it is extremely important to improve techniques for diagnostic exams that can be used in clinical routine in the field. The objective of this study is to report a case of diagnosis of left displaced abomasum in a bovine, performed by means of transabdominal ultrasound evaluation. The patient presented clinical symptoms characteristic of this disease and the presence of a metallic sound “ping” on auscultation. Ultrasound examination was performed by scanning the last intercostal spaces of the left antimere to confirm the presence of the abomasum in an atypical localization. The diagnosis was validated by exploratory laparotomy through the right flank, followed by emptying and correction of the abomasum to its original anatomical position. The animal gradually returned to normal feeding and milk production, and was clinically healthy. Therefore, the transabdominal ultrasound evaluation was able to confirm the diagnosis of abomasal displacement and provide a return to the patient's health and welfare. Imaging diagnosis has a high potential for dissemination in the bovine medical clinic, especially in clinical routine in the field.O constante desenvolvimento da bovinocultura leiteira é acompanhado pela criação de animais com maior potencial genético e produtivo, necessitando de avanços relacionados ao manejo, nutrição, controle de doenças, dentre outros. Com isso, é de extrema importância o aperfeiçoamento de técnicas para exames de diagnóstico que possam ser empregados na rotina clínica à campo. Objetiva-se relatar um caso de diagnóstico de deslocamento de abomaso à esquerda em bovino, realizado por meio de avaliação ultrassonográfica trans-abdominal. A paciente apresentou sinais clínicos sugestivos desta enfermidade e presença de som metálico “ping” na auscultação. Foi realizado exame ultrassonográfico por meio de varredura dos últimos espaços intercostais do antímero esquerdo para confirmação da presença do abomaso em local atípico. O diagnóstico foi validado por laparotomia exploratória pelo flanco direito, seguida por esvaziamento e correção do abomaso para posição anatômica original. O animal retornou gradualmente a alimentação e produção de leite normais, apresentando-se clinicamente saudável. Portanto, a avaliação ultrassonográfica trans-abdominal foi capaz de confirmar o diagnóstico de deslocamento de abomaso e auxiliou para que a saúde e bem-estar da paciente fossem reestabelecidos através do tratamento instituído. O diagnóstico por imagem apresenta elevado potencial para disseminação na clínica médica de bovinos, especialmente em atendimentos à campo

Pulmonary Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Respiratory Disease in Dairy Calves - Systematic Review / Ultrassonografia Pulmonar no Diagnóstico de Doença Respiratória em Bezerras Leiteiras- Revisão Sistemática

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a common health challenge for dairy calves during the first weeks of life. It can be caused by several environmental factors and pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, presenting alterations called pulmonary consolidations. BRD shows nonspecific clinical signs, a high rate of subclinical cases and triggers several health consequences, such as impaired growth, reduced weight gain, interference in production and reproduction during the first lactation, and in some cases, animals can also die. In addition economic losses such as: increase in the rate of involuntary culling and reduction of the source of replacement of productive cows in the herd can also occur. There are some forms of diagnosis evaluating clinical signs such as fever and discharges. However, these methods are not sufficient to confirm the clinical diagnosis and do not allow the measurement of the degree of pulmonary lesions. However, the disease can also be diagnosed by pulmonary ultrasound, presenting a high rate of accuracy.  This study reviews systematically the main studies that performed pulmonary ultrasound evaluation in the diagnosis of BRD and reported results that showed the efficacy of the use of this method in the clinical diagnosis of the disease. The technique is considered noninvasive, fast, capacity of detecting animals with subclinical BRD and uses the same ultrasound device used in the reproductive management of cows. In addition, ultrasonography has other benefits such as cost reduction, reduced use of antimicrobials, evaluation of the extent of lung lesions, positive influence on animal health and support of profitability of a dairy operation

Evolution of Protocols to Induce Lactation of Dairy Cows: A Review / Evolução dos Protocolos para Indução da Lactação em Vacas Leiteiras: Revisão Bibliográfica

Several diseases and nutritional challenges have had detrimental impacts on dairy farming, of which reproductive problems are considered one of the main hindrances in all production systems. Alternatives to minimize these problems have been explored, and methods of artificial induction of lactation are amongst them. After decades of evolution, the current protocols have been shown to be more efficient and less laborious, which has increased its use. However, there is still limited information and many conflicting theories. Therefore, new research and experiments on the subject are extremely important, especially regarding the dose used in the protocols and animal welfare implications. This review takes a detailed overview of the protocols and other important aspects of lactation induction in dairy cows

Effects of Maternal Protein Supplementation at Mid-Gestation of Cows on Intake, Digestibility, and Feeding Behavior of the Offspring

This study aimed to assess the effects of maternal protein supplementation and offspring sex (OS) on the intake parameters of the offspring. Forty-three Tabapuã cows were randomly allocated in the following treatments: protein supplementation (PS) during days 100–200 of gestation (RES, 5.5% total crude protein (CP), n = 2, or CON, 10% total CP, n = 19) and OS (females, n = 20; males, n = 23). The offspring were evaluated during the cow–calf (0–210 days), backgrounding (255–320 days), growing 1 (321–381 days), and growing 2 (382–445 days) phases. The CON offspring tended to present higher dry matter intake (DMI) at weaning (p = 0.06). The CON males presented lower digestibility of major diet components in the growing 2 phase (p ≤ 0.02). The CON offspring spent 52% more time per day eating supplements at 100 days and 17% less time in idleness at 210 days. The CON males spent 15 min more per day ruminating than RES males in the feedlot phase (p = 0.01). We concluded that protein supplementation over gestation alters the offspring feed intake pattern as a whole, while protein restriction promotes compensatory responses on nutrient digestibility in males