Development of clinical sign-based scoring system for assessment of omphalitis in neonatal calves

Omphalitis contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality in neonatal calves. Diagnosis of omphalitis is based on the local signs of inflammation—pain, swelling, local heat and purulent discharge. An abattoir trial identified an optimal, sign-based, scoring system for diagnosis of omphalitis. A sample of 187 calves aged between 7 and 15 days old were clinically examined for signs of umbilical inflammation and compared with postmortem examination of navels. On postmortem findings, 64 calves (34.2 per cent) had omphalitis. In the examined omphalitis cases, the most commonly affected umbilical structure was the urachus (78.1 per cent). Multivariable logistic regression revealed that thickening of the umbilical stump over 1.3?cm (P<0.001), discharge (P<0.001), raised local temperature (P=0.003) and the presence of umbilical hernia (P=0.024) were correlated and positive predictors of omphalitis. Discharge from the umbilical stump was associated with intra-abdominal inflammation (P=0.004). Assigning weights based on the multivariable logistic regression coefficients, a clinical scoring algorithm was developed. The cumulative score ranged from 0 to 9. Using this scoring system, calves were categorised as positive if their total score was =2. This scoring method had a sensitivity of 85.9 per cent, specificity of 74.8 per cent and correctly classified 78.6 per cent of all calves

Influence of sperm-oocyte coincubation period on porcine in vitro fertilization (IVF) efficiency

A major obstacle for successful in vitro production of porcine embryos is the polyspermic fertilization. One possibility to reduce polyspermic penetration is decreasing the number of spermatozoa added to the fertilization medium. Unfortunately, the lower rate of polyspermy is accompanied by a reduced penetration rate. A short gamete coincubation period of 10 min has been described to obtain fertilization rates similar to 6 h of coincubation and may improve IVF efficiency (number of monospermic fertilized oocytes/total number inseminated) depending on sperm-oocyte ratio (Gil, 2007, Theriogenology, 67(3), 620–626). Here we demonstrate that the optimal coincubation period in our IVF conditions is between 10 min and 6 h. In vitro matured oocytes (n = 600) were inseminated with frozen-thawed epididymal semen with 600 spermatozoa per oocyte and coincubated for 2, 4 and 6 h. At 2 and 4 h post insemination (hpi), oocytes were vortexed and transferred to fertilization medium without spermatozoa. At 6 hpi, presumed zygotes of all groups were washed three times in culture medium and cultured. At 22 hpi, zygotes were fixed overnight and stained with Hoechst 33,342 for the assessment of fertilization and polyspermy. The IVF efficiency was higher for the 4 h group (40 ± 5%) than the 2 and 6 h group (19 ± 8% and 17 ± 5%). Between 4 and 6 h of gamete coincubation, the increase in the number of polyspermic oocytes was relatively higher than the increase in penetration rate (+39% vs. +15%), resulting in a decline in efficiency. (This study was supported by Research Foundation-Flanders)

Computed tomographic appearance of urachal adenocarcinomas: review of 25 cases

Twenty-five cases of surgically proven urachal carcinomas were retrospectively reviewed. The radiological archives at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology were searched for cases of surgically proven urachal carcinomas that had a computed tomographic (CT) scan as a part of their radiologic evaluation. CT images from all cases were evaluated to determine tumor morphology, presence and localization of calcification, extent of bladder invasion and metastases. Tumor size at presentation averaged 6cm. Twenty-one of 25 (84%) were mixed cystic solid lesions and 4/25 (16%) were completely solid. Calcifications were present in 18/25 (72%), with 11 peripherally located, 3 central only and 4 both. Bladder wall invasion was present in 23/25 (92%), but was seen as an intraluminal mass in only 13/25 (52%). The bulk of the mass was extravesicular in 22/25 (88%). Metastases were present in 12/25 (48%). Our series supports observations from other smaller series that a midline, calcified, supravesicular mass is highly suspicious, if not pathognomonic, for urachal carcinom

Zystoskopie bei einem Rind mit Urachus persistens-Ruptur

Die Arbeit beschreibt die klinischen, sonographischen und zystoskopischen Befunde sowie die Therapie bei einem 2-jährigen, 7 Monate trächtigen Braunviehrind mit Ruptur des Urachus persistens. Das Leitsymptom war ein birnförmiges Abdomen bei stark gestörtem Allgemeinbefinden. Die Blutuntersuchung ergab eine hochgradige Azotämie. Bei der Ultraschalluntersuchung wurde ein Aszites festgestellt, welcher aufgrund der massiv erhöhten Kreatininkonzentration im Punktat als Uroperitoneum klassiert wurde. Bei der Zystoskopie konnte das Endoskop über die Harnblase in einen persistierenden Urachus eingeführt werden. Aufgrund sämtlicher Befunde wurde die Diagnose Uroperitoneum infolge Ruptur eines Urachus persistens gestellt. Als Therapie wurde eine Laparotomie in der linken Flanke mit doppelter Ligation des Urachus durchgeführt. Innerhalb von wenigen Tagen normalisierte sich der Zustand des Rindes. Es hat inzwischen normal gekalbt und erfreut sich bester Gesundheit This case report describes the clinical, ultrasonographic and cystoscopic findings and treatment in a two-year-old Swiss Braunvieh heifer with rupture of a patent urachus. The lead signs in the seven-month-pregnant heifer were markedly abnormal general condition and demeanour and a pear-shaped abdomen. The heifer had severe azotaemia, and abdominal ultrasonography revealed ascites, which was diagnosed as uroperitoneum based on an elevated creatinine level in the fluid. A patent urachus was identified during cystoscopy; the endoscope could be advanced beyond the apex of the urinary bladder into the urachus. Based on all the findings, a diagnosis of uroperitoneum attributable to rupture of a patent urachus was made. The urachus was ligated twice via a left-flank laparotomy. The general condition normalised within a few days of surgery, and the patient calved normally and was in good health at follow-up evaluation

Urachal carcinoma accompanied with calcification: report of a case

Carcinoma of urachus accompanied with calcification is rarely encountered. A 37-year-old man presented with the complaint of mucus discharge on voiding. A plain X-ray film of his abdomen showed the presence of calcification at the urinary bladder. A hemispheric tumor at the top of the urinary bladder was seen on cystoscopic examination. The results of urine cytology and cold-punch biopsy supported the diagnosis; carcinoma of urachus. En bloc segmental resection was performed. Histopathologically, the tumor was composed of moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma producing mucus. Now, he is alive and has no evidence of recurrence. This is the 9th report on carcinoma of urachus with calcification in the Japanese literature

URACHAL CYST: AN UNSPECTED COMPLICATION

The urachus is the remnant of the allantois, which usually becomes obliterated shortly after birth. Urachal remnants due to an incomplete obliteration of different portion of the urachus are rare, but they need to be treated surgically because of their potential for infectious complications and malignant degeneration. We present a case report with an unespected postoperative complication. M.E., a 10 years old boy, came to the Accident and Emergency Department for an acute abdominal pain, without other symptoms, twice in one year. The blood tests, urine sample and voiding cystourethrogram were normal. The ultrasound scan showed a thickened urachal duct. After antibiotic and anti-inflammatory therapy for two weeks, we performed laparoscopic surgery. In the second postoperative day the patient showed abdominal pain and hematuria. An ultrasound scan and a voiding cystourethrogram showed a leak from the dome of bladder. We performed an open surgery to close the defect on the bladder’s dome. The patient was discharged in 10th postoperative day. Now he is healthy. Clinically manifest persistent urachal anomalies are rare, but they carry a risk of recurrent infection and subsequent malignant degeneration. For these reasons the radical excision of the remnant is suggested. Today, due to the large laparoscopic experience, all the reports showed that this technique can be used safely, but we have to pay attention to all steps of the procedure. This case is a paradigmatic situation and it illustrates the importance of a meticulous technique during the excision of urachal remnant. Indeed even if laparoscopic excision could be safe and effective, it is not free of complication

گزارش يک مورد تومور جدار شکم از منشای اوراکوس(Urachus) با پاتولوژی کارسينومای سلول ترانزيشنال(TCC)

مقدمه: ما يک مورد تومور اوراکوس(Urachus) با پاتولوژی Transitional cell carcinoma به علت نادر بودن را در يک مرد 53 ساله گزارش می‌کنيم. معرفی بيمار: بيمار يک‌سال قبل به علت هيپرتروفی پروستات(BPH) عمل پروستاتکتومی شده است. از 5 ماه قبل به علت درد جدار شکم مخصوصاً در ربع تحتانی شکم(LLQ) بررسی می‌شود، ابتدا برای بيمار سونوگرافی انجام می‌شود که در عضله رکتوس چپ يک توده هيپودنس نشان می‌دهد. در سی‌تی‌اسکن به عمل آمده نيز يک دانسيته که مطرح کننده هماتوم، آبسه يا ضايعه تومورال بوده مشاهده می‌شود. سيستوسکپی انجام شده هيچ عنصر مخاطی را در مثانه نشان نمی‌دهد و بيمار از نظر کلينيکی نيز هيچ مشکل ادراری نداشته است. بيمار از درد شاکی بوده و در معاينه سريال نيز تومور سفت که در ماه‌های اخير رشد قابل توجهی داشته است لمس می‌شد. بيمار در 16/10/83 با تشخيص تومور نسج نرم با احتمال سارکوم يا تومور دسموئيد(Desmoids) عمل جراحی شد، عضله رکتوس چپ با حاشيه سالم و قابل قبول برداشته شد، تومور به قله مثانه به صورت يک توده گسترش(expansion) داشت که آن نيز همراه تومور جدار برداشته و قسمتی از جدار مثانه نيز برداشته شد. آزمايش پاتولوژی Sarcomatoid TCC با منشا اوراکوس(Urachus) را نشان داد. مخاط قسمت برداشته شده مثانه سالم بوده است ولی قسمت عضلانی گرفتاری داشته است. نتيجه‌گيری: در بررسی متون(literature) يک گزارش اوراکوس(urachus) از ژاپن يافتيم و تا جايی که بررسی‌ها نشان می‌دهد با اطلاعات ما sarcomatoid TCC با منشا urachus قبلا گزارش نشده است

Uroperitoneum in cattle: Ultrasonographic findings, diagnosis and treatment

This review describes causes, clinical signs, metabolic changes in serum and peritoneal fluid, diagnosis and treatment of uroperitoneum. Rupture of the bladder or urachus is the most common cause of uroperitoneum. The main clinical sign is a pear-shaped enlargement of the abdomen accompanied by gradual deterioration in demeanour and appetite. Ultrasonography shows massive accumulation of anechoic abdominal fluid and organs suspended in the fluid. Bladder defects may be seen cystoscopically and the proximal part of a persistent urachus can be explored endoscopically. Abdominocentesis yields light yellow fluid. A peritoneal-to-serum creatinine concentration ratio of 2 or greater is diagnostic of uroperitoneum. Treatment consists of surgical repair of the defect