Search

Background: Mycoplasma bovis causes various diseases such as bronchopneumonia, otitis media, arthritis, and mastitis in cattle. Mycoplasma bovis is often isolated from the deep pharynges of healthy cattle and is generally considered not to cause clinical symptoms while in the upper respiratory tract. In mycoplasma infections, adhesion to the host cells is a crucial step. In recent years, five new adhesins, NOX, α-enolase, TrmFO, P27, and VpmaX, have been reported in M. bovis strains from pneumonia cases. However, the presence of these adhesins in wild isolates has not been established., Aim: This study aimed to investigate the presence of these adhesin genes in wild isolates isolated from cattle nasal cavities and lesion sites (pneumonia, otitis media, arthritis, and mastitis) in various regions in Japan and clarify the relationship between adhesion and the symptoms caused by M. bovis infection., Methods: A total of 141 M. bovis wild isolates isolated from nasal cavities (healthy or sick cattle), lungs with pneumonia, ears with otitis media, joint fluids of arthritic animals, and milk of mastitic animals. Mycoplasma bovis type strain PG45 was also used. Specific polymerase chain reaction reactions were performed to detect nox , α-enolase , trmFO , P27 , and vpmaX , which are adhesins of M. bovis ., Results: This study reports 139 M. bovis wild isolates were positive for nox , α-enolase , trmFO , P27 , and vpmaX , while two isolates each lacked α-enolase or P27 genes. Mycoplasma bovis PG45 also had all five adherens genes., Conclusion: Almost all M. bovis wild isolates possessed all nox , α-enolase , trmFO , P27 , and vpmaX genes regardless of the lesion site or region of origin. This means no relationship was found between the presence of the five adhesins and lesion sites in M. bovis and M. bovis isolated from the nasal cavities of asymptomatic cattle have the same numbers and types of adhesins as isolates from symptomatic lesion sites (pneumonia, otitis media, arthritis, and mastitis). This suggests that not only M. bovis isolates from pulmonary lesions, but also M. bovis existing in the nasal cavity has the potential to causes symptoms in the host., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest.

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is one of the most frequent clinical concerns in weaned calves after their arrival at the feedlot. This work reports the first local isolation of Mycoplasma bovis from feedlot calves with pneumonia and polyarthritis in Argentina. Twenty four out of 545 calves showed progressive, subacute to chronic respiratory distress, coughing, and fever. Thirty percent of the affected calves also showed lameness and swelling of elbow or carpal, and knee or tarsal joints. Five necropsies were performed and severe multifocal to coalescent pulmonary nodules, containing white-yellowish caseous exudate encircled by fibrous tissue, and fibrinonecrotic arthritis and tenosynovitis were detected. Mycoplasma was isolated from lung and joint samples. The 16S-23S rRNA ITS consensus sequence obtained from these isolates showed 100% similarity with the same region of M. bovis strains. Since there are no commercially available vaccines in the region for the prevention and control of M. bovis pneumonia and arthritis, surveillance is a priority to reduce the source of disease to naïve animals., (Copyright © 2022 Asociación Argentina de Microbiología. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Mycoplasma bovis arthritis and pneumonia in six-month-old calvesSudden deaths in housed suckler cows due to hypomagnesaemiaBovine respiratory syncytial virus infection in two-year-old heifersBovine abortion associated with Parachlamydia speciesFibrinous pericarditis due to Aeromonas hydrophila in weaner pigsThese are among matters discussed in the disease surveillance report for December 2016 from SAC Consulting: Veterinary Services (SAC C VS)., (British Veterinary Association.)

Most vaccines for protection against Mycoplasma bovis disease are made of bacterins, and they offer varying degrees of protection. Our focus is on the development of a subunit-based protective vaccine, and to that end, we have identified 10 novel vaccine candidates. After formulation of these candidates with TriAdj, an experimental tri-component novel vaccine adjuvant developed at VIDO-InterVac, we measured humoral and cell-mediated immune responses in vaccinated animals. In addition, we compared the immune responses after formulation with TriAdj with the responses measured in animals vaccinated with a mix of a commercial adjuvant (Emulsigen™) and 2 of the components of the TriAdj, namely polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) and the cationic innate defense regulator (IDR) peptide 1002 (VQRWLIVWRIRK). In this latter trial, we detected significant IgG1 humoral immune responses to 8 out of 10 M. bovis proteins, and IgG2 responses to 7 out of 10 proteins. Thus, we concluded that the commercial adjuvant formulated with poly I:C and the IDR peptide 1002 is the best formulation for the experimental vaccine.

Mycoplasma bovis causing mastitis and arthritis in a dairy heifer. Nutritional myopathy in a three-month-old suckler calf. Acute fasciolosis in ewes in Ayrshire. Cardiomyopathy of unknown aetiology causing death of a three-year-old Suffolk ram. Spinal aspergillosis in a seven-week-old pheasant poult These are among matters discussed in the disease surveillance report for August from SAC Consulting: Veterinary Services (SAC C VS)., (British Veterinary Association.)

Background: Little is known on the effects of common calf diseases on mortality and carcass traits in the white veal industry (special-fed veal), a highly integrated production system, currently criticized for the intensive pro- and metaphylactic use of antimicrobials. The objective of the present study was to determine the impact of bovine respiratory disease (BRD), diarrhea, arthritis and otitis on the economically important parameters of mortality, hot carcass weight (HCW), carcass quality, fat cover and meat color. For this purpose, a prospective study on 3519 white veal calves, housed in 10 commercial herds, was conducted. Case definitions were based on clinical observation by the producers and written treatment records were used., Results: Calves received oral antimicrobial group treatments in the milk during 25.2% of the production time on average. With an increasing percentage of the production cycle spent on oral antimicrobials, HCW reduced, whereas the odds for insufficient fat cover or an undesirable red meat color both decreased. Of the calves, 14.8%, 5.3%, 1.5% and 1.6% were individually diagnosed and treated for BRD, diarrhea, arthritis and otitis, respectively. Overall, 5.7% of the calves died and the mortality risk was higher in the first weeks after arrival. Calves that experienced one BRD episode showed a 8.2 kg reduction in HCW, a lower fat cover and an increased mortality risk (hazard ratio (HR) = 5.5), compared to calves which were not individually diagnosed and treated for BRD. With an increasing number of BRD episodes, these losses increased dramatically. Additionally, calves, which experienced multiple BRD episodes, were more likely to have poor carcass quality and an undesirable red meat color at slaughter. Arthritis increased the mortality risk (HR = 3.9), and reduced HCW only when associated with BRD. Otitis did only increase the mortality risk (HR = 7.0). Diarrhea severely increased the mortality risk (HR = 11.0), reduced HCW by 9.2 kg on average and decreased carcass quality., Conclusions: Despite the massive use of group and individual treatments to alleviate the most prevalent health issues at the fattening period, the effects of BRD, diarrhea, otitis and arthritis on survival and performance are still considerable, especially in cases of chronic pneumonia with or without arthritis. Controlling calf health by effective preventive and therapeutic strategies and in particular the prevention of chronic BRD is key for the profitability of veal operations.

Objective: To characterize amphotericin B-induced lameness in cattle and to ascertain the analgesic effects of flunixin meglumine by use of multimodal assessment., Animals: 10 healthy Holstein steers free from musculoskeletal disease., Procedures: Steers were randomly allocated to a treatment or negative control group. Amphotericin B was injected into the distal interphalangeal joint of the lateral claw of the left hind limb of all steers. Treatment steers received flunixin meglumine at the time of synovitis-arthritis induction and at 12 hours after induction. Control steers received no medication. Multimodal analysis included vital parameters, visual lameness score, behavioral monitoring with accelerometers, pressure mat analysis, and plasma cortisol determination before and after induction. Data were analyzed by use of linear mixed models with treatment and time designated as fixed effects, accounting for repeated measures on individual calves., Results: Amphotericin B injection induced moderate, transient lameness. Control steers were more than twice as likely to be lame as treatment steers (mean ± SD lameness score, 92.2 ± 8.1 % vs 40.7 ± 2.5%). Treatment steers placed significantly greater force and contact area on the affected foot and greater force, impulse, and contact area on the paired claw, compared with control steers. Furthermore, treatment steers spent considerably less time in recumbency than controls., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Amphotericin B successfully induced synovitis-arthritis in dairy steers that was transient in nature. Flunixin meglumine was efficacious in providing analgesia for these steers.

This study examined the efficacy of sodium salicylate for providing analgesia in an amphotericin B-induced bovine synovitis-arthritis model using 10 male Holstein calves, 4 to 6 mo old and weighing approximately 250 kg. The study used a repeated measures partial crossover design with 2 phases, consisting of 3 treatment periods within each phase. Calves were blocked by body weight and randomly assigned to the sodium salicylate (50 mg/kg i.v.) or placebo group for phase 1. In period 1, lameness induction was simulated with a needle prick of the coronary band, followed by drug or placebo administration. At predetermined time points, serial blood samples for cortisol and salicylate concentrations, electrodermal activity measurements, heart rates, and pressure mat data were collected. Visual lameness scores were recorded by an observer blinded to treatments. In period 2, lameness was induced with injection of amphotericin B into the distal interphalangeal joint, followed by drug or placebo administration, with sample collection as described previously. In period 3, the drug or placebo was administered to the respective calves with sample collection. After a 10-d washout period, phase 2 was conducted with treatments crossed over between groups. Cortisol and salicylate samples were analyzed by competitive chemiluminescent immunoassay and fluorescence polarization immunoassay, respectively. The pharmacokinetic data were analyzed using compartmental analysis. Mean intravenous salicylate apparent volume of distribution was 0.2 +/- 0.005 L/kg, total body clearance was 4.3 +/- 0.2 mL/min.kg, and elimination half-life was 36.9 +/- 1.2 min. The repeated measures data were analyzed based on a univariate split-plot approach with a random effects-mixed model. Differences in stance phase duration and serum cortisol concentration values were seen both between periods and between treatment group x periods; differences in heart rate, contact surface area, and contact pressure values were seen between periods, suggesting that our lameness model was effective. No differences were seen between treatment groups. When analyzed by visual lameness score, differences were seen in heart rate, contact surface area, contact pressure, and cortisol concentrations. Area under the time-effect curves, determined by using the trapezoidal rule, had results similar to the repeated measures data, except for a difference in period for electrodermal activity. This amphotericin B-induced synovitis-arthritis model is a useful tool for studying changes associated with lameness in cattle. Sodium salicylate was not effective in providing analgesia after lameness.

The clinical, radiographic, ultrasonographic and centesis findings of 97 cattle with disorders of the tarsal region (arthritis, bursitis, tenosynovitis, abscess, vein thrombosis) were reviewed (1994-2006), and the typical ultrasonographic findings of different tarsal disorders in cattle are presented. The following criteria were assessed: echogenicity, echopattern, size, shape, appearance of the borders of synovial or other cavities. Ultrasonographic findings were compared with the clinical, radiographic and arthrocentesis results and with intraoperative and/or necropsy findings. 50 cattle suffered from one tarsal disease only, in 47 cattle--up to three different--concurrent disorders in one tarsal region were identified. The afflicted synovial cavities and abscesses were definitely differentiated ultrasonographically in all cattle suffering from tarsal disorders a comprehensive diagnosis could be achieved due to the easy and rapid ultrasonographic differentiation of the incriminated soft tissues.

One Galloway bull and three German Holstein-Friesian cows aged between three and five years with complicated arthritis of the fetlock joint were treated by arthrotomy (on the bull and two of the cows) or by arthrodesis (on the other cow). Arthrotomy involved four vertical dorsolateral/dorsomedial and palmolateral/palmomedial incisions 5 cm long to give access to the joint cavities and allow fibrin, debris and necrotic tissue to be removed. Arthrodesis consisted of lateral and medial (abaxial) horizontal 5 cm incisions along the joint space. After debridement, the joint surfaces (cartilage and superficial bone tissue) of the metacarpus and first phalanx were completely abraded with a high-speed surgical drill. The interdigital region, palmar and dorsal tendons, vessels and nerves were conserved during both arthrotomy and arthrodesis, and the pouches were flushed during the surgery. The incisions were sutured and a casting tape was applied. Six weeks later, the cast was removed and a supporting bandage was applied. Each animal received 10 mg/kg ampicillin subcutaneously twice a day from one day before surgery until a mean (sd) of 23 (4) days after the arthrotomies and 36 days after the arthrodesis. After a recovery period of at least one year, all the animals could be used without restrictions.

A feedlot heifer was diagnosed with chronic pneumonia and polyarthritis syndrome (CPPS), which was confirmed on postmortem examination. The syndrome is caused by Mycoplasma bovis; however, available data support the theory that other pathogens play a role in predisposing to this disease. Continued research on CPPS focuses on pathogenesis, treatment, and prevention.

This case report describes gross lesions and histopathological findings in a 3-months-old calf originating from a feedlot with approximately 400 cattle. In this animal and additional 14 cattle of similar age, which were kept together in the same stable, swollen joints had occurred suddenly. The examination of this calf showed that a severe polyarthritis induced by haematogenous spread of Mycoplasma bovis following bronchopenumonia was present, which was characterised by necrotising lesions of the joint capsules and severe cartilage erosions.

Chronic, antibiotic-resistant pneumonia, sometimes with concurrent polyarthritis, occurs in feedlot cattle in western Canada. The prevalence of Mycoplasma bovis, bovine viral diarrhea virus, and Haemophilus somnus was determined by using immunohistochemical staining of lung and heart tissue from 2 groups of animals with this history. Mycoplasma bovis antigen was present in 44/48 cases submitted between 1995 and 1998 (retrospective group) and 15/16 of cases from 1999 (prospective group), and was associated with pulmonary necrosis. Bovine viral diarrhea virus antigen was present in association with microscopic vascular lesions in 31/48 retrospective and 9/16 of prospective cases. Types Ib and II bovine viral diarrhea virus were isolated from 4/16 prospective cases. Haemophilus somnus antigen was present in heart, lung, or both of 15/48 retrospective and 8/16 prospective cases. The results suggest that there may be synergism between bovine viral diarrhea virus and M. bovis in this pneumonia with arthritis syndrome.

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of selected pathogens in the tissues of a group of feedlot cattle with chronic disease (most often respiratory disease and/or arthritis). Samples of lung and joint tissues from 49 feedlot animals that had failed to respond to antibiotic therapy were tested by immunohistochemical staining for the antigens of Mycoplasma bovis, Haemophilus somnus, Pasteurella (Mannheimia) hemolytica, and bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). Mycoplasma bovis was demonstrated in over 80% of cases, including in 45% of joints and 71% of lungs tested. Mycoplasma bovis was the only bacterial pathogen identified in the joints. Haemophilus somnus and Pasteurella (Mannheimia) haemolytica were found in 14% and 23% of cases, respectively, and were confined to the lungs in all instances. Infection with BVDV was demonstrated in over 40% of cases. Mycoplasma bovis and BVDV were the most common pathogens persisting in the tissues of these animals that had failed to respond to antibiotic therapy.

A comprehensive genetic analysis of 60 Mycoplasma sp. bovine group 7 isolates from different geographic origins and epidemiological settings is presented. Twenty-four isolates were recovered from the joints of calves during sporadic episodes of polyarthritis in geographically distinct regions of Queensland and New South Wales, Australia, including two clones of the type strain PG5O. A further three Australian isolates were also recovered from the tympanic bulla, retropharyngeal lymph node and the lung and another three isolates had unconfirmed histories. Six isolates originated from Germany, Portugal, Nigeria, and France. Twenty-four epidemiologically related isolates of Mycoplasma sp. bovine group 7 were recovered from multiple tissue sites and body fluids of infected calves with polyarthritis, mastitic milk, and from the stomach contents, lung and liver from aborted foetuses in three large, centrally managed dairy herds in New South Wales, Australia. Restriction endonuclease analysis (REA) of genomic DNA differentiated 29 Cfol profiles among these 60 isolates and grouped all 24 epidemiologically related isolates in a defined pattern showing a clonal origin. Three isolates of this clonal cluster were recovered from mastitic milk and the synovial exudate of clinically-affected calves and appeared sporadically for periods up to 18 months after the initial outbreak of polyarthritis indicating a persistent, close association of the organism with cattle in these herds. The Cfol profile representative of the clonal cluster was distinguishable from profiles of isolates recovered from multiple, unrelated cases of polyarthritis in Queensland and New South Wales and from other countries. All 24 isolates from the clonal cluster possessed a plasmid (pBG7AU) with a molecular size of 1022 bp. DNA sequence analysis of pBG7AU identified two open reading frames sharing 81 and 99% DNA sequence similarity with hypothetical replication control proteins A and B respectively, previously described in plasmid pADB201 isolated from M. mycoides subspecies mycoides. Other isolates of bovine group 7, epidemiologically unrelated to the clonal cluster, including two clones of the type strain PG5O, possessed a similar-sized plasmid. These data confirm that Mycoplasma sp. bovine group 7 is capable of migrating to, and multiplying within, different tissue sites within a single animal and among different animals within a herd.

Objective: To report an outbreak of mastitis, polyarthritis and abortion caused by Mycoplasma sp bovine group 7 in three large, centrally-managed dairies and to review the relevant literature., Design: Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory data were analysed, collated and reported. Multidisciplinary procedures were employed. These included clinical assessment and comprehensive laboratory investigations of affected calves, aborted foetuses and milk samples. Mycoplasma cultures and genetic analyses of isolates were undertaken to identify the aetiological agent., Results: About 30% of 240 calves usually kept in a calf rearing facility developed severe polyarthritis as a result of Mycoplasma sp bovine group 7 infection between 2 and 3 weeks of age. Multiple abortions occurred on these farms. Mycoplasma sp bovine group 7 was recovered from the fibrinopurulent synovial exudates of four 14-day-old calves, from the stomach contents and lungs of two aborted foetuses, from 14 of 21 bulk milk and four of 10 mastitic quarters. Three bulk colostrum samples cultured during the outbreak were negative for mycoplasma., Conclusion: Mycoplasma sp bovine group 7 caused significant economic losses as a result of polyarthritis, abortion and mastitis. The disease probably originated from udder infections with spread being facilitated by the decreased use of tetracycline in the treatment of mastitis. Neonatal calves were most likely infected by the consumption of milk contaminated with the organism. Abortions presumably resulted from mycoplasmaemia. This appears to be the first report in Australia of bovine abortion resulting from Mycoplasma sp infection.

The purpose of this study was to establish the normal range of serum apolipoprotein B-100 (APO B-100) concentration in clinically normal cattle, and to assess its abnormalities with clinical diseases. We measured the serum concentration of APO B-100 in cattle of varying ages, breeds and sex, maintained under normal field conditions. Blood samples were obtained from 735 apparently healthy cattle and 146 cows with various diseases. The concentration of serum APO B-100 in cattle was assayed by the single radial immunodiffusion method. The concentration of serum APO B-100 in healthy adult breeding bulls (mean +/- SD: Holstein; 101 +/- 46 microg/ml, Japanese Black; 106 +/- 46 microg/ml) was significantly (P<0.001) lower than that in cows (Holstein; 259 +/- 63, Japanese Black; 210 +/- 46 microg/ml), while that of APO B-100 in steers (Holstein; 290 +/- 86 microg/ml, Japanese Black; 302 +/- 90 microg/ml) was similar to the level in cows. The concentration of serum APO B-100 in cattle varied with sex and breed. APO B-100 concentration in cattle was decreased in association with metabolic disorders such as ketosis, displaced abomasum and fatty liver. From these results, it is assumed that the level of serum APO B-100 will be applied to diagnosis of metabolic diseases in cattle.

The case records, clinical, radiographic, ultrasonographic and arthrocentesis findings from 25 cattle with septic or traumatic arthritis were reviewed. The total of 30 joints involved were: articulatio cubiti (elbow joint)-1, articulatio carpi (carpal joint)-10; articulatio genus (stifle joint)-4, articulatio tarsocruralis (tarsocrural joint)-8; articulatio metacarpo-/metatarsophalangea (metacarpo-/metatarsophalangeal joint -7. Ultrasonographic investigation was performed using 7.5 MHz linear and 5 MHz sector transducers. In eight cattle, a concurrent infection of periarticular tendon sheaths or hygroma was diagnosed. The distension of the joint cavities could be imaged in all cases. Assessing echogenicity, acoustic enhancement, ultrasonographic character of the exudate (liquid or clotted) and findings revealed by aspiration, arthrotomy or at necropsy, the synovial effusion was classified as: serous, fibrinous or fibrino-purulent. Diagnostic ultrasound provided a comprehensive preoperative diagnosis in septic and traumatic arthritis by imaging the accurate localization of soft-tissue swelling and the extent and consistency of joint effusion.

Besides the classical orthopedic examination, radiography and centesis of diseased synovial cavities ultrasonography was applied, for the first time, in 18 cattle for the investigation of proximal bovine limb disorders. The clinical and radiographic findings as well as the results of centesis were compared with the sonographic findings. Arthritis, tenosynovitis, bursitis, abscess formation and haematomas especially in proximal limb regions were observed. A 7,5 MHz linear-scan or a 5 MHz sector-scan were used for ultrasonic examination. By means of radiography, 8 out of 14 cattle showed a soft tissue swelling, whereas specific radiographic findings could only be determined in those cases with affection of joints and bones. The sonographic examination produced more information than radiography when only soft tissues and joints were affected. As a complimentary tool to the classical examination of locomotory system disorders in cattle, sonography provided accurate preoperative details of the extent and character of fluid accumulations and soft tissue swellings. It helped to differentiate rapidly and on a non-invasive basis between affected structures and any subtle defects in neighbouring tissues, it enabled a more accurate centesis of evident fluid filled areas of synovial cavities or other swellings, and revealed much more information than often insufficiently depicted on radiographs. Sonography was, therefore, the imaging method of choice to differentiate pathologic involvement of soft tissue structures in bovine limbs.

Acute chemical arthritis was induced in right radiocarpal joints of eight cow calves by intraarticular injections of turpentine oil. They were randomly divided into two groups A and B of four calves each. Group A served as control. Group B was given therapeutic ultrasound at 2.0W/cm2 for 7 minutes daily for 7 days starting on day 5. On day 19, all the calves of both the groups were slaughtered. Grossly as well as microscopically, joint tissues of group A calves showed severe inflammatory and degenerative changes. Joint capsule of group B calves showed regeneration of synovial membrane and articular cartilage was normal grossly as well as microscopically.

Antibody to Borrelia burgdorferi was examined in 380 healthy and 38 clinical cases of cows from Hokkaido and Shizuoka in Japan. In healthy animals, IgG and IgM antibody to B. burgdorferi HO14 strain were found in 44 cows (14.6%) and 24 cows (8.0%) from Hokkaido. In contrast, antibody-positive case was not observed except for only 1 case which was IgM positive (1/79: 1.3%) in cows from Shizuoka. Mean antibody levels of healthy animals in Hokkaido and Shizuoka were 0.651 and 0.263 (IgG antibody to HO14 strain), 0.642 and 0.169 (IgG to HP3 strain), 0.613 and 0.367 (IgM to HO14 strain) and 0.582 and 0.286 (IgM to HP3 strain). The differences of the antibody levels between cows from Hokkaido and Shizuoka were significant. Seasonal difference was found in seropositive cows from Hokkaido. The rate of seropositive cows was high in summer (23.4% in June and 11.8% in July) but low in winter (0% in January and February). The pattern was discussed to be associated with activation of ticks. One of 4 cows with arthritis showed significantly higher IgG antibody level than that of healthy cows and cows with some disease, although the serum was collected from Shizuoka where antibody-positive animals for B. burgdorferi were rare among healthy cows. This high IgG antibody may suggest that the arthritis of such cows was caused by infection with B. burgdorferi. Two of 7 cows with unclassified abortion showed positive antibody reaction in Hokkaido. These cases, however, may not be related to the B. burgdorferi infection because the positive rate was similar to those of healthy cows in the same season.

A retrospective study of 24 cases of inflammation of carpal extensors (m. extensor carpi radialis, m. extensor digitorum communis, m. abductor digiti I longus) was conducted. The findings of anamnestic, clinical, and post-mortem investigations are described. Half of the patients were first calf heifers at the ages of 2 1/2 to 3 years. The rest of the animals were older cows (with one exception). In all of the young cows the disease had become apparent within 11 weeks post partum. The most striking clinical finding is the posture of the animals when lying down: the affected forelimbs are extended forward. Palpation reveals a homogeneous firm swelling of the cranial portion of the forearm. Most of the patients also had pododermatitis in hind and/or front legs, and exhibited signs of a systemic reaction in the form of "polysynovitis" and raised serum total protein concentrations. Post mortem examination revealed a hemorrhagic edematous impregnation of the distal part of the radial carpal extensor muscle and particularly of its fascia. The tendon and tendon sheath had unclear contours and were swollen. Histologically the lesions are typical of subacute granulating inflammation. As to the cause, it is assumed that the ailment is a significant complication of some other disease of the locomotion system. Type and localization of the lesions suggest a traumatic etiology. Therapeutic results have been unsatisfactory.

Twenty-four cases of stifle (femoro-tibial joint) arthritis, in Friesian heifers that had failed their first blood test for brucellosis, were examined pathologically and by serological and cultural tests for brucella. The arthritis was confined to the stifle and was non-purulent. The cases showed several other similar features, including evidence of trauma, erosions of articular surfaces, synovial proliferations and granulomata containing germinal centres and plasma cells. The synovial fluid was turbid, discoloured and usually increased in volume, with high antibody titres to brucella. Cultures were invariably negative for brucella, but examinations of cryostat sections stained by fluorescent antibody against B abortus were positive in five out of six cases examined some showing particles with a morphology resembling that of brucella.

Serum immunoglobulin concentrations in precolostral calves affected with weak calf syndrome (WCS), clinically normal calves, and calves which were congenitally infected during the 3rd trimester of gestation with microbial agents isolated from calves with WCS were determined by the quantitative radial immunodiffusion test. Significant difference was not seen in immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G concentrations between serums obtained from precolostral calves affected with WCS and clinically normal calves. However, immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G concentrations for precolostral calves which were congenitally infected were significantly greater (14 and 5 times, respectively) than those in serums from normal calves.

Bovine arthritides are an important aspect of food animal practice, and a good understanding of these conditions allows the practitioner to develop effective treatment regimens. This article discusses the complexities of joint diseases and the problems associated with their diagnoses and treatments.

In a radiographic study of 104 clinical cases of bovine foot disorders, 84 (80.8%) of the affected animals were males, and most were larger than or equal to 4 years old. Phalangeal fractures accounted for 38.5%, arthritis 34.6%, periostitis/exostosis 18.3%, dislocation 5.8% and solar penetration 2.9% of cases. Phalangeal fractures were most common in hindfeet (34/40 cases), with higher incidence in P1 (18) and P3 (15). The incidence of arthritis was higher in hindfeet (24) than in forefeet (12), with the fetlock, pastern and pedal joints being involved in 11, 15 and 10 animals, respectively. Pedal arthritis was usually septic in nature.

One of the possible methods of treatment in arthritis of the pedal joint in cattle consists in simple amputation above the coronet. The surgical procedure in the standing animal is described and the results of this operation are reported.

The investigation of a high incidence of arthritis in 21 dairy herds disclosed elevated fluorine levels in bone samples. In every herd except one, where herbage and water was contaminated by industrial fall-out, the main source of the fluorine was from mineral supplements; In a few herds, purchased cake or grain balancers contributed to the abnormal levels. Over 100 cows with arthritis had fluroine levels in the bone of between 2000 and 8000 ppm, or were in herds whose diet contained excess fluorine. Characteristic tooth lesions often confirmed the link between arthritis and fluorosis. Sixteen out of 31 samples of mineral supplement contained dangerous levels of fluorine (3000 to 13000 ppm). Grain balancers contained up to 400 ppm F, and dairy cake had levels as high as 140 ppm F. There was a statistical correlation between a high incidence of damage to peri-articular structures, resulting in debility and loss of production, and elevated bone fluorine.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit the biosynthesis of kinins and prostaglandins and stabilize leukocyte lysosomal membranes. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs also weakly block the biosynthesis of histamine and serotonin, and pharmacologically antagonize kinins, prostaglandins and slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs effectively control both cardiovascular and respiratory manifestations of hypersensitivity in cattle and horses. This, coupled with the contrasting lack of effectiveness of "antiamine" drugs, suggests that bio-amines such as histamine and serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) may be less important than kinins, postaglandins and slow-reacting substance in the mediation of the hypersensitivity/inflammatory reaction, at least in cardiopulmonary systems of these species. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs justify more prominence in the clinical control of acute respiratory disease in domestic herbivores.

Studied was the content of sialic acid in the blood serum of cattle at different age and in the conditions of bronchopneumonia. It was found that at birth the calves showed considerably higher values of sialic acid as against the adult normal animals. At the age of 15--30 days sialic acid in calves reached the level in adult animals. In diseased animals (bronchopneumonia and arthritis) sialic acid rose dependably. It is believed that this is the result of inflammatory and destructive processes as with intensive treatment the blood level of sialic acid drops to that in normal animals. The determination of sialic acid level in the blood serum is suggested as a routine method in veterinary medicine to control the general status and the recovery of animals.

Lesions induced in each of 9 young colostrum-deprived calves closely resembled lesions seen in naturally occurring "weak calf syndrome" of eastern Idaho and southwestern Montana. The disease was experimentally induced by intravenous injection of bovine adenovirus type 5 that had been isolated from a calf with weak calf syndrome...