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Biomedical subjects

G Schuijt

Publications and source records attributed to G Schuijt.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1994

The interval between birth and sternal recumbency as an objective measure of the vitality of newborn calves.

The time from birth to attaining sternal recumbency (T-SR) was recorded for 219 newborn calves in order to evaluate its use as a parameter for diagnosing vitality. Calves were defined as vital if they received routine care without medical treatment and survived seven days from birth without any symptom of illness (n = 192). Those which did not fulfil these conditions were categorised as non-vital (n = 27). Ten calves were born spontaneously and the others were delivered either by caesarean section (n = 105), normal extraction (n = 78) or forced extraction (n = 26). The mean (+/- sd) T-SR values of the vital calves in these delivery groups were: 4.0 +/- 2.2, 4.5 +/- 3.1, 5.4 +/- 3.3 and 9.0 +/- 3.3 minutes, respectively. Jugular blood gas and pH measurements were performed at several fixed times after birth until pH and base excess had reached values of over 7.2 and more than -5.0 mmol/litre, respectively. Mean pH and base excess values of vital calves 10 minutes post partum were significantly higher and lower, respectively, than those of non-vital calves. Forcefully extracted calves had longer T-SR, more serious acidosis, recovered more slowly from acidosis, died more, and exhibited trauma more frequently. A T-SR of at least 15 minutes had a predictive value of 84 per cent for non-vitality, while 10 minute pH values of less than 6.9 had a lower predictive value, namely 68 per cent, for non-vitality. Correlations between T-SR values and 10 minute pH and base excess values were moderate, whereas correlations between T-SR values and PCO2 values were weaker still and much more dependent on the type of delivery. It is concluded that T-SR determination is a valuable, practicable and objective diagnostic tool for estimating the condition of newborn calves during the first 15 minutes of life. The diagnostic value of a single pH measurement on the jugular blood of a neonatal calf is doubtful.

Acidosis↗
PubMed1991

[Delivery in cattle with interesting complications].

A case of dystocia in a cow delivered by Caesarean section, complicated by haemorrhages and a dying calf, is reported. The heifer had to be slaughtered and only then the clinical findings could be accounted for by close examination of the uterus. This case was very likely one of spontaneously reduced uterine torsion.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Blood hemoglobin, plasma iron, and tissue iron in dams in late gestation, at calving, and in veal calves at delivery and later.

The effect of 100 ppm of Fe in milk replacer on some hematological and tissue Fe variables was studied during the first 7 wk of the fattening period in two groups of eight calves with low or high initial blood hemoglobin concentrations. Hemoglobin concentration in calves with initially low hemoglobin increased. It decreased in those with initially high hemoglobin, but the difference remained over the experimental period. Higher mean liver Fe concentration, in some cases extremely high, and lower mean total Fe-binding capacity were found throughout the experiment in the group with the initial high hemoglobin. Of all variables, only low muscle Fe concentrations were correlated linearly with plasma Fe. In another experiment, the relationship of some hematological and tissue Fe variables during late gestation (about 10 d prepartum), at calving in dams, and at delivery in calves was investigated. The calves showed markedly higher liver Fe concentrations at delivery than their dams just before delivery, but these liver Fe concentrations were not correlated between dam and calf. The hematological and tissue Fe variables showed a weak correlation between dams and calves during late gestation or at delivery. However, dams as well as calves were Fe-sufficient.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Iatrogenic fractures of ribs and vertebrae during delivery in perinatally dying calves: 235 cases (1978-1988).

To determine the pathogenesis of vertebral fractures in calves during the perinatal period, a retrospective study was done to determine the relationships between clinical factors at dystocia and the findings during necropsy of 235 perinatally dying calves. It was concluded that excessive traction is the most important cause of rib and vertebral fractures in the calf during dystocia. Vertebral fractures in perinatally dying calves may not be simply judged as a sign of asphyxia. The occurrence of vertebral fractures is highly correlated with the type of delivery and the force of traction. The veterinarian as well as the type of calf also are influencing factors. More perinatally dying calves were delivered after hips were locked, when extraction had been forced, or through induction of trauma when the head of the calf had the pelvic canal during the first obstetric examination. Consequently, fetal position at delivery may predispose calves to risky extractions and to the risk of perinatal death secondary to trauma. In light calves, significantly more vertebral fractures occurred during extractions than in other calves. Therefore, the veterinarian should accurately estimate the birth weight of the calf and the force of traction that should be applied.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

[Diaphragmatic hernia as a rare complication during caesarean section in a cow (author's transl)].

The literature on diaphragmatic hernia in cattle and buffaloes is reviewed. A heifer showed accelerated respiration, symptoms of dyspnoea, occasional coughing and groaning, a variable appetite and emaciation unaccompanied by an increase in temperature for sixteen days prior to parturition. A diagnosis was not established. During parturition which occurred at term, marked symptoms were not observed, and it was decided to perform caesarian section because of the unduly large foetus. During the operation, performed in the standing animal, the heifer offered violent resistance when the abdominal cavity had been opened, showing symptoms of severe dyspnoea and/or pain, an fell down. In this state of excitement, which subsequently came to resemble shock, the heifer showed cyanotic mucosae and a very quick pulse. The heart sounds on the left side were inaudible on auscultation. The operation could only be completed in the recumbent position after sedation. Nothing which could account for the symptoms was detectable throughout treatment. The animal then remained quiet, the mucosae having regained their pink colour, the pulse rate decreased. Respiration continued to be too rapid and it became plain that it was obviously of the pendular type. The animal having been slaughtered in agreement with the owner, diaphragmatic hernia was found to be present on the left side. The enlarged spleen was largely situated in the thorax and partly adhered to the lung. The history of the case is discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1977

[Assisted delivery of the calf by manual or mechanical traction (author's transl)].

During the past few years, an increasing number of farmers examined cows at parturition and attempted delivery of calves. Frequently, the veterinarian is merely called in to perform caesarean section. From the point of view of obstetrics, quite a number of caesarean sections could have been avoided if a thorough examination of the cow had been made. Examination and treatment of cows at parturition is described in detail. Particular attention is paid to the mechanical features of delivery. The advantages and disadvantages of manual and mechanical traction are discussed.

Animals↗