Search Results (15)

Background and Clinical Significance: Gastrointestinal bleeding is a critical medical emergency, with upper gastrointestinal bleeding occurring approximately five times more frequently than lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB). The incidence of LGIB tends to increase with age, likely due to a greater prevalence of vascular and diverticular diseases among older patients. However, there are rare or extremely rare causes of LGIB that demand significant diagnostic and therapeutic efforts, some of which may pose unexpected challenges during surgery. Case report: We present the case of a 75-year-old woman, previously treated for a cecal neoplasm 15 years ago, who was hospitalized due to intermittent lower gastrointestinal bleeding over the past three months. Initially, the patient declined a colonoscopic examination, and the bleeding stopped spontaneously. She was then discharged at her own request in stable condition. However, she returned with a recurrence of the bleeding. While preparing for a colonoscopy, she experienced subocclusive symptoms, abdominal distension, and vomiting. During emergency surgery, a floating coprolith, which was attached to one of the anastomosis sutures, was sensed through palpation and later confirmed via colotomy. The coprolith was removed, and hemostasis was achieved in situ, leading to a favorable postoperative recovery and normalization of intestinal transit. A literature review identified 24 articles that met the eligibility criteria concerning rare causes of LGIB. Appendiceal bleeding (due to erosions, arteriovenous malformations, or endometriosis) was the most common cause, whereas the rarest causes included jejunal hemangiomas and rectal ulcers resulting from mucormycosis. Diagnosing these conditions is often challenging, typically requiring CT scans, colonoscopy, and angiography, with surgical treatment being the primary method to ensure hemostasis. In conclusion, the diagnosis and management of LGIB present significant challenges for clinicians, and successful outcomes are usually achieved through a collaborative multidisciplinary team approach. Full article

An 11-year-old spayed female Beagle presented with tenesmus and was identified with a rectal wall mass. Diagnostic imaging (abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography) localised the mass in the right rectal wall and documented no evidence of metastatic disease. Subsequently, the dog underwent surgery for tumour excision. A histopathological diagnosis of melanoma was performed. To confirm the tumour histotype, immunohistochemistry was performed using anti-Melan A and anti-Ki67. Neoplastic cells exhibited focal Melan A immunoreactivity and widespread nuclear immunoreactivity for Ki67 with a Ki67 index of 27%. Adjuvant immunotherapy with APAVAC^® was initiated. After APAVAC administration, no local or systemic acute adverse events were observed. Four pre- and post-contrast computed tomography (CT) studies were performed in an 18-month follow-up period every 4–5 months. Follow-up rectal palpation and conscious visualisation of the surgical site have also resulted in no macroscopic signs of tumour recurrence. The dog remains alive and with no clinical evidence of tumour recurrence and/or distant progression at the time of writing, therefore, surviving over 540 days from the diagnosis. Full article

The most reliable methods for pregnancy diagnosis in dairy herds include rectal palpation, ultrasound examination, and evaluation of plasma progesterone concentrations. However, these methods are expensive, labor-intensive, and invasive. Thus, there is a need to develop a practical, non-invasive, cost-effective method that can be implemented on the farm to detect pregnancy. This study suggests employing microwave dielectric spectroscopy (MDS, 0.5–40 GHz) as a method to evaluate reproduction events in dairy cows. The approach involves the integration of MDS data with information on milk solids to detect pregnancy and identify early embryonic loss in dairy cows. To test the ability to predict pregnancy according to these measurements, milk samples were collected from (i) pregnant and non-pregnant randomly selected cows, (ii) weekly from selected cows (n = 12) before insemination until a positive pregnancy test, and (iii) daily from selected cows (n = 10) prior to insemination until a positive pregnancy test. The results indicated that the dielectric strength of Δε and the relaxation time, τ, exhibited reduced variability in the case of a positive pregnancy diagnosis. Using principal component analysis (PCA), a clear distinction between pregnancy and nonpregnancy status was observed, with improved differentiation upon a higher sampling frequency. Additionally, a neural network machine learning technique was employed to develop a prediction algorithm with an accuracy of 73%. These findings demonstrate that MDS can be used to detect changes in milk upon pregnancy. The developed machine learning provides a broad classification that could be further enhanced with additional data. Full article

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an androgen-related non-neoplastic enlargement of the prostate gland that commonly affects both reproductive capabilities and the general health of intact dogs. The subclinical form of BPH can be challenging to diagnose due to a lack of clinical signs, even if rectal palpation is performed. Left untreated, this condition poses risks to the dogs’ health and breeding status. This study, involving 65 male dogs, aimed to investigate subclinical BPH through rectal palpation, ultrasonography, and analysis of canine prostatic-specific esterase (CPSE). Of the participants, 35 had subclinical BPH, and 30 served as a healthy control group. Dogs suspected of subclinical BPH, as determined by examination results from ultrasonography and CPSE analysis, underwent fine needle aspiration (FNA) guided by ultrasound to enhance diagnostic precision. Findings revealed distinct differences in rectal palpation and ultrasonography between subclinical BPH and healthy dogs. This study established diagnostic thresholds based on prostatic volume and CPSE values and proposed new thresholds for subclinical BPH. Additionally, results showed that prostate gland volume depended on the weight and the age of the dog. In conclusion, early detection of this condition is possible through various examinations, such as changes in ultrasound features, CPSE levels, and rectal palpation. All together, these methods can aid practitioners in early detection of BPH and assist with scheduling screening programs for dogs, ultimately promoting their overall health and reproductive well-being. In conclusion, we advocate for routine, non-invasive prostate screenings in breeding males, underlining the effectiveness of a combination of various multiple techniques for early subclinical BPH detection. Full article

Small colon impaction can result in accumulation of ingesta, gas, and fluid orally to the impaction site in horses. Large colon tympany, which is caused by ingesta fermentation, can be a predisposing factor for intestinal displacement. The aim of this study is to report the history, clinical, and surgical findings of horses and ponies referred for abdominal pain not responsive to drugs where a right dorsal displacement (RDD) or large colon volvulus (LCV), together with a small colon faecalith (SCF), were diagnosed during surgery. This study included a total of five horses and five ponies. Based on clinical features, ultrasonographic examination, and rectal palpation, an initial suspected diagnosis of RDD, LCV or severe large colon and caecum distension was made in all clinical cases. Due to the lack of response to medical treatment or worsening of colic symptoms, surgery was performed in all horses: diagnosis of RDD or LCV was made and a SCF was incidentally detected in all cases. While exploratory laparotomy was carried out in all the patients for the presence of a large colon issue, it was probably subsequent to an obstruction of the small colon caused by the presence of an SCF, which is generally difficult to diagnose. This study reported the presence of SCF as a possible cause of secondary RDD or LCV in horses and ponies that, to the authors’ knowledge, has never been reported. Full article

Proper selection of recipients determines the success of embryo transfer (ET) programs. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to assess the accuracy of rectal palpation (RP) in selecting recipients according to the size and firmness of their corpus luteum (CL) compared to ultrasonography (US) and progesterone determination (P4); to check if US or P4 provide additional information to RP with regard to selecting animals with higher odds of maintaining the pregnancy; and to verify the reliability of the presence of a cavity and the volume of the CL within the ovary (%CLOV) as predictors of the ET outcome. In Experiment 1, measurements for the largest and minor diameter (LADCL and MIDCL), CL area, and P4 at ET day were collected, as well as the RP score, in 94 heifers. In Experiment 2, measurements for the LADCL, MIDCL, CL volume, %CLOV, and presence of a cavity were collected, as well as data about the procedure and metabolic markers, in 108 heifers. No differences were found in Experiment 1, whereas in Experiment 2, just a tendency was observed for the variable of veterinarian. Consequently, these results suggest that RP and US are useful methods to select recipients with, that US and P4 do not offer additional data to use to select animals with higher odds of maintaining pregnancy, and that neither %CLOV nor cavitary CL were good indicators for pregnancy rates. Full article

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of GnRH administrated at day 35 after artificial insemination (AI) on the reproductive performance of buffalo cows. In ten buffalo farms in the period January–February, 481 buffalo cows were subjected to estrus synchronization protocol and fixed-time artificial insemination (Ovsynch–TAI program). Radioimmunoassays (RIA) for pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) were used to detect pregnancy at day 28 after AI (cut-off value: ≥1 ng/mL). Among pregnant subjects, those with PAG values between 1 and 2.5 ng/mL were considered at risk of embryonic mortality (EM) and were assigned into two groups: treated (T; n = 57) control (C; n = 57). Treated buffaloes received 0.01 mg of buserelin acetate intramuscularly on day 35 after AI, whereas control buffaloes received no treatment. The pregnancy diagnosis was confirmed at day 60 through PAGs level and rectal palpation. The treatment with GnRH had a significant effect (p < 0.001) in reducing EM. Between days 28 and 60 after AI, the animals that experienced EM were only 2/57 in the T group, while were 13/57 in the C group. Moreover, GnRH treatment produced a significant increase (p < 0.001) in the PAG concentration between day 28 and day 60. Administration of GnRH at day 35 after AI in animals considered at risk of low embryo survival based on PAG levels allowed a reduction in pregnancy losses and improved the pregnancy rate during low-breeding season in buffalo. Full article

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is a retrovirus that affects cattle worldwide. A longitudinal study was conducted with the aim to (a) estimate the incidence rate of the BLV infection of dairy farms in the regions of Los Ríos and Los Lagos (Chile), and (b) describe the frequency and epidemiological association of risk management practices related to new cases in cattle on dairy farms in Southern Chile. Infection status was based on commercial blocking ELISA results, on serum and milk. Individual information on animals and management practices was extracted from farm records, and then the most likely date of infection for new cases was estimated. The number of new infections was used to calculate the within-herd incidence rate. Adult animals had an incidence rate of 1.16 (95% CI 0.96; 1.20) cases per 100 cow-months at risk, while for young animals it was 0.64 (95% CI 0.44; 1.00) cases per 100 animal-months at risk. Rectal palpation, artificial insemination, and injections were the most common practices related to infection. Further studies are needed to determine if these are the only practices that facilitate spreading or if there are other practices that can be handled better in order to reduce the spread of BLV. Full article

The main pregnancy test method for dairy cows is rectal palpation performed around 40–45 days from last insemination. This is an invasive examination that disrupts the cow’s routine, potentially affecting its well-being. We examined the effectiveness of a commercial kit for performing pregnancy tests on milk samples compared to rectal palpation at 28- and 42-days post insemination. Accordingly, the purpose of the current study was to check if performing early pregnancy test instead of rectal palpation would result in better welfare and improvement of the reproductive performance, at least in part, of the cows. At 28 days, we examined the effect of early pregnancy testing on reproductive performance, especially number of days open. At 42 days, we determined the pregnancy test methods’ effects on cow welfare measures and milk production. For the day 28 experiment, cows on one farm were divided into two groups: one milk-tested for pregnancy on 28 to 30 days after insemination, and the other tested by routine veterinary examination (42 to 45 days after insemination). The milk test resulted in a 16-day reduction in days open for cows identified as non-pregnant on day 28 compared to day 42 (rectal examination), potentially improving reproductive performance on the dairy farm. For the day 42 experiment, test effects on cow welfare as seen in pedometer data and milk production were examined on two large dairy farms. Test-day milk production did not differ significantly between milk-tested and rectally palpated groups, but well-being indices of milk-tested cows improved, especially in winter months. The reason for this can be because, in the summer, cows are interrupted due to colling activities. In addition to fewer days open and economic improvement, early milk tests for pregnancy can free up the practitioner for other tasks on the dairy farm. Full article

While the prevalence of asthma is higher in boys than in girls during childhood, this tendency reverses at puberty, suggesting an effect of sex hormones on the disease pathophysiology. Fluctuations of asthma severity concurring with the estrus cycle are reported in women, but this phenomenon has never been investigated in mares to date. The objective of this exploratory study was to determine whether the estrus cycle modulates airway obstruction in severe equine asthma (SEA). Five mares with SEA during exacerbation of the disease were studied. The whole breath, expiratory and inspiratory resistance, and reactance were compared during the follicular and luteal phases of the estrus cycle. The reproductive tract was evaluated by rectal palpation, ultrasound, and serum progesterone levels. The inspiratory resistance and reactance improved during the luteal phase of the estrus cycle, and variation in progesterone levels and the dominant follicle size correlated with several lung function parameters. The fluctuation of airway dysfunction during the estrus cycle is noteworthy as deterioration of the disease could perhaps be expected and prevented by horse owners and veterinarians. Further studies are required to determine if the equine species could be a suitable model to evaluate the effects of sex hormones on asthma. Full article

The aim of this study was to verify the importance of postpartum serum levels of certain metabolic markers as risk factors for subclinical endometritis (SE). Ninety-four Holstein cows were included in the study, and examinations were carried out between 30–45 days postpartum. Rectal palpation, vaginoscopy, transrectal ultrasound, endometrial cytology, and blood sample collections were performed. The percentage of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (%PMN) on the endometrium was evaluated, as well as serum levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, albumin, hepatic enzymes, urea, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), and β-hydroxybutyrate acid (BHBA). Samples with ≥8% PMN were classified as positive to subclinical endometritis. According to the serum levels of BHBA, cows were classified as clinical ketosis (>2.6 mmol/L), subclinical ketosis (1.2–2.6 mmol/L), and healthy (<1.2 mmol/L). Additionally, body condition score, parity, date of last labor, peripartum issues, insemination date, date of pregnancy diagnosis and milk production information were collected. Data were analyzed using a multiple regression analysis. The results showed that as serum levels of BHBA rose, also did the %PMN, so that up to 60% of cows with clinical ketosis suffered from SE. On the other hand, the %PMN fell as serum levels of urea and albumin increased. Consequently, good postpartum management practices and early detection of metabolic alterations are necessary measures to control predisposing factors and reduce the incidence of SE. Full article

Bovine leukaemia virus (BLV), which is classified as a Deltaretrovirus, is the aetiologic agent of enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL), a chronic lymphoproliferative disorder with a worldwide distribution. EBL is widespread in dairy herds and causes a direct economic impact due to reduced milk production and the early culling of BLV-infected cattle. The BLV infection status in Taiwan remains largely unknown; a high prevalence of BLV in dairy cows was recently revealed. The present study further investigated BLV infections in beef cattle. Surprisingly, the prevalence of BLV proviral DNA was as low as 11.8% (23/195), which is significantly lower than that noted in dairy cows, which was 42.5% (102/240) (p < 0.001). Factors associated with BLV infections were subsequently investigated. Due to the differences in herd management, an analysis of risk factors for a BLV infection was independently conducted in these two sectors. Several factors associated with a BLV infection were identified. Age was significantly associated with BLV infection status in dairy cows (p < 0.001) but not in beef cattle. A high prevalence of BLV was observed in cattle >15.5 months old (57.8%) compared with those ≤15.5 months old (11.4%). Moreover, after stratification analysis, based on the critical age of 15.5 months, as determined by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, a significantly higher BLV prevalence was demonstrated in lactating dairy cows, cattle undergoing bull breeding, heifers at older ages, and those undergoing routine rectal palpation. Due to the high prevalence of BLV in Taiwan, the development of an effective control program, based on the identified risk factors, is important for interrupting the routes of BLV transmission within herds. Full article

Twin pregnancies are an economically unwanted phenomenon in dairy cattle, not only because they increase pregnancy losses, but also because antibiotics usage and culling rate of the dam are also dramatically increased due to them, furthermore animal welfare issues are also affected through them. In cattle, under field conditions using an early pregnancy determination tool, the first accurate diagnosis from the pregnancy status is available from around day 28, although further confirmations of pregnancy are required. Twin pregnancy diagnosis is available either by rectal palpation or ultrasonography. The measurement of pregnancy specific proteins are also available to determine gestation, but there is still a long way to go to properly identify twin pregnancies. In this commentary, we compared our own results with the literature data in this field with a special emphasis on the clinical practices. Full article

Multiple physiological and neuroendocrine changes consistent with stress and pain have been demonstrated in cattle spayed via the Willis dropped ovary technique (WDOT). The procedure is routinely conducted without the use of anaesthetics or analgesics and has major implications for animal welfare. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a topical anaesthetic (TA), haemostatic wound dressing, and meloxicam on pain behaviour and haemorrhage in the acute period following spaying. Yearling Brahman heifers (n = 75) were randomly allocated to the following treatment groups: (1) rectal palpation/control (CON); (2) WDOT spay (S); (3) WDOT spay with meloxicam (SM); (4) WDOT spay with TA (STA); and (5) WDOT spay with TA and meloxicam (STAM). Individual behavioural responses, body weight, packed cell volume (PCV), and total plasma protein (TPP) were monitored for up to 24 h following treatment. Head tucking behaviour and tail stiffness was increased in all spay groups compared to the CON group (p < 0.001), with the lowest proportional increase in the SM group. Rumination was initially reduced in S, SM, and STA heifers compared to CON heifers (p < 0.001), though SM heifers ruminated more than S heifers (p < 0.001). CON and SM heifers stood with an arched back the least, spent the most time eating, and spent less time lying down and more time standing compared to other treatment groups (p < 0.001). There was no significant effect of treatment on weight change (p = 0.519), PCV (p = 0.125) or TPP (p = 0.799). The administration of meloxicam is suggested as an effective, currently available method for improving the welfare of cattle undergoing WDOT spaying. Full article

There is great need for veterinary care for working equids worldwide. Addressing this need provides an opportunity for veterinary students to gain primary care experience. An annual two week collaborative outreach and educational program with Michigan State University (MSU), the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) and the Universidad Veracruzana (UV) was developed to provide care for working equids in rural Mexican communities. From 2017 to 2019 24 US veterinary students and 25 Mexican veterinary students, interns and residents examined, vaccinated and dewormed more than 2200 equids and performed more than 80 castrations, 100 rectal palpations for pregnancy diagnosis, 220 dental floats and 320 hoof trims. They also treated many wounds, sarcoids, vampire bat bites and tick infestations and also saw unusual cases including tetanus, eye injuries, nuchal bursitis, cervical vertebral malformation and suspected vesicular stomatitis. Development of the collaborative MSU-UNAM-UV Equine Welfare in Practice Clerkship required vision, learning, relationship building, creativity, fund-raising and perseverance to develop and agree on mutually beneficial objectives for all participants. The project is largely financed through private donations and supplies provided by pharmaceutical companies. The outcome has been a highly successful program that could be used as a model by other Colleges of Veterinary Medicine world-wide. Full article