Unveiling the Hidden Culprit: A Case of Bile Leakage Post-Cholecystectomy Caused by a Luschka Duct

Teaching Point: Recognize anatomical bile duct anomalies as a potential etiology of bile leakage post-cholecystectomy, and emphasize the importance of adequate radiological evaluation for correct management

Speed of sound measurements in the evaluation of bone properties in Holstein

peer reviewe

Estimating the economic impact of a possible equine and human epidemic of West Nile virus infection in Belgium

This study aimed at estimating, in a prospective scenario, the potential economic impact of a possible epidemic of WNV infection in Belgium, based on 2012 values for the equine and human health sectors, in order to increase preparedness and help decision-makers. Modelling of risk areas, based on the habitat suitable for Culex pipiens, the main vector of the virus, allowed us to determine equine and human populations at risk. Characteristics of the different clinical forms of the disease based on past epidemics in Europe allowed morbidity among horses and humans to be estimated. The main costs for the equine sector were vaccination and replacement value of dead or euthanised horses. The choice of the vaccination strategy would have important consequences in terms of cost. Vaccination of the country's whole population of horses, based on a worst-case scenario, would cost more than EUR 30 million; for areas at risk, the cost would be around EUR 16–17 million. Regarding the impact on human health, short-term costs and socio-economic losses were estimated for patients who developed the neuroinvasive form of the disease, as no vaccine is available yet for humans. Hospital charges of around EUR 3,600 for a case of West Nile neuroinvasive disease and EUR 4,500 for a case of acute flaccid paralysis would be the major financial consequence of an epidemic of West Nile virus infection in humans in Belgium. (Résumé d'auteur

Gestion des hyperlactatémies en médecine bovine

peer reviewe

Evaluation of a Bovine Concentrated Lactoserum for Preventing Neonatal Diarrhoea in Belgian Blue Calves

peer reviewedThe purpose of this study was to evaluate, under field conditions, the efficacy of an european registered bovine concentrated lactoserum (Locatim) in 3 farms with neonatal diarrhoea in calves. A total of 117 healthy Belgian Blue (BB) calves were allocated in 2 groups. Two thirds of the calves received Locatim orally immediately after birth and maternal colostrum one hour later (treated group), while control calves only received maternal colostrum. Every day during 14 days, mental status, faeces consistency, suckling reflex and hydration status of each calf were monitored. Individual blood samples were assessed for passive transfer and specific Escherichia coli antibodies against strains F5, CS31A, F17 and F41. Faecal samples from diarrheic and non diarrheic calves were analysed for rotavirus, bovine coronavirus, Cryptosporidium parvum and Escherichia coli F5. Locatim had no significant effect on the onset, duration and incidence of diarrhoea. The mean serum IgG concentration of 23.1 ± 7.8 mg/ml indicates a good IgG transfer. Only the CS31A strain titer was significantly higher in the treated group. The major identified causative agent of diarrhoea was C. parvum. In conclusion, Locatim only has a slight effect when IgG transfer is optimal, but could be justified when specific antibodies lacking in colostrum are neede

Use of L-Lactate and blood gas analyser in cattle practice

peer reviewedActuellement, les tests diagnostiques réalisables au chevet du patient en médecine rurale deviennent plus facilement abordables financièrement et permettent d’améliorer non seulement le diagnostic mais également le pronostic lors d’une pathologie. Le dosage du L-lactate par les appareils portatifs trouve particulièrement son utilité lors des pathologies respiratoires des jeunes veaux, permettant de mettre en évidence les cas incurables. Ce test est également pertinent lors d’abdomen aigu. Malheureusement, concernant les diarrhées néonatales et l’acidose ruménale, c’est essentiellement du D-lactate qui est formé par les bactéries ce qui rend cet examen complémentaire difficilement interprétable. D’autres paramètres, tels que le pH sanguin, la pression partielle en oxygène ou en dioxyde de carbone, les différents ions, l’excès de base, l’hémoglobine, l’hématocrite, l’urée ou la créatinine sont à présent tout à fait accessibles au praticien rural et lui permettent d’affiner son diagnostic à moindre coût. Les appareils de mesure sur le terrain et au cabinet vétérinaire sont multiples et pour la plupart polyvalents pour mesurer plusieurs paramètres mais nécessitent un investissement financier de départ. Chacun présente des caractéristiques spécifiques qui répondent au besoin précis de chaque clientèle

Case report : A suspicion of cortico-cerebral necrosis in a Belgian Blue herd after ingestion of moulded silage

After ingestion of moulded beet pulp silage, cases of cortico-cerebral necrosis (CCN) and mortalities have been observed in a Belgian Blue (BB) herd. Contamination with Paecilomyces spp., a mould that produces byssochlamic acid, malformins and patulin, has been proven. Among these toxins, patulin is known to have cancerogenic, immunosuppressive and tremorgenic effects, but also acts on the respiratory and digestive systems. Twenty-five days after progressive introduction of beet pulp silage into the ration of a dual purpose BB herd, most of the animals showed diminished appetite, salivation and decreased milk production. All 35 cows were reluctant to consume the beet pulp silage, but continued to eat grass silage voluntarily. Seven of them showed anorexia and nervous symptoms, like head pressing and blindness. Four animals died within 1 week after onset of neurological symptoms. No necropsy has been performed, since legislation does not allow post-mortem examination of the central nervous system in the field. The three survivors had been treated successfully with thiamine (10 mg/kg, IV, TID) and recovered completely within five days. After the beet pulp silage had been identified as causative agent, it had been removed from the animals’ ration and no more clinical case has been observed. Four weeks later, the same beet pulp silage has been reintroduced into the animals’ ration and provoked again diminished appetite, salivation and a decrease in milk production in most of the animals. Clinical signs were also suggesting lead poisoning but any contact with lead containing material could have been excluded. Silage was obviously moulded and analysis revealed the presence of 1.6 million CFU Paecilomyces spp./g of silage. Although no further investigation has been made to identify the mycotoxins, an intoxication with patulin has been suspected, since other mycotoxins produced by these species are less toxic. Although it has not been described that CCN can be induced by ingestion of Paecilomyces spp., it seems that there is a close relation between ingestion of Paecilomyces-contaminated silage and observed clinical signs in this herd