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Biomedical subjects

N Pusterla

Publications and source records attributed to N Pusterla.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1997

Ultrasonographic findings in cows with left displacement of the abomasum.

Forty-eight cows with left displacement of the abomasum (LDA) and three clinically healthy control cows were examined ultrasonographically from the 11th and 12th intercostal spaces on the left side. In the controls, the rumen was immediately adjacent to the left abdominal wall, whereas in the cows with LDA the rumen was generally immediately adjacent to the left abdominal wall ventrally, but displaced by the abomasum more dorsally. The ultrasonographic findings were generally consistent in the cows with LDA. The ingesta that were visualised ventrally in the abomasum appeared echogenic to hypoechogenic and, in a few cows, the abomasal folds were visible as elongated, echogenic, sickle-shaped structures. The dorsal abomasal gas cap was characterised by reverberation artifacts from the abomasal surface.

Abomasum↗
PubMed1997

Intrauterine infection with Ehrlichia phagocytophila in a cow.

An infection with Ehrlichia phagocytophila, the agent of tickborne fever, can cause abortion or stillbirth in cows in late pregnancy but, to the authors' knowledge, there have been no reports of intrauterine infection in cows followed by clinical signs in the calf. To study the effect of E phagocytophila on the fetus, a cow was infected experimentally after 270 days of pregnancy. It developed the clinical and haematological signs characteristic of tickborne fever six days after infection. At 287 days of pregnancy the cow gave birth to a live calf, which became ill at 13 days of age. The general condition and behaviour of the calf were only mildly affected but it had a high temperature and swollen prescapular lymph nodes. Its appetite and suck reflex remained normal. E phagocytophila inclusion bodies were visible, predominantly in neutrophils and eosinophils, for seven days. The calf seroconverted, as detected by indirect immunofluorescence, 14 days after it became ill.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Ultrasonographic findings in cattle with pleuropneumonia.

The clinical, ultrasonographic and radiographic findings in three cows and one bull with pleuropneumonia are described. All the animals had fever, indigestion, tachypnoea and abnormal lung sounds. Percussion of the thoracic wall elicited signs of pain and tests for foreign bodies were positive. Ultrasonographic examination revealed an accumulation of anechogenic to hypoechogenic fluid in the pleural space in the ventral thorax of all the animals. In one animal, echogenic bands of fibrin were observed between the thoracic wall and pulmonary surface. In another, parts of the right lung were not inflated because of severe bronchopneumonia. Radiographic examination revealed a pleural effusion, apparent as a horizontal fluid line, in three animals. In addition, the increased radiopacity in parts of the dorsal lung fields and increased bronchial and peribronchial markings suggested bronchopneumonia. In three animals, the radiographs revealed linear foreign bodies in the reticulum, suggesting that the pleuropneumonia was caused by the penetration of the foreign body into the thoracic cavity. A diagnosis of pleuropneumonia was made in all the animals on the basis of the clinical, ultrasonographic and radiographic findings and the analysis of the pleural fluid. The diagnosis was confirmed at slaughter in three of them; the fourth animal was treated and was clinically healthy when it was discharged.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Antithrombin-III activity in plasma of healthy and sick cattle.

Antithrombin-III (AT-III) activity was determined in the plasma of 32 healthy cows. The range of activities was between 105 and 160 per cent of a human reference plasma; the median activity was 132.5 per cent, and the 5 per cent and the 95 per cent quartiles were 111.1 per cent and 153.9 per cent of the standard. The activity of AT-III was also determined in 82 cows with a variety of internal diseases. In cows with hepatopathy, acute enteritis, generalised peritonitis, blood loss, idiopathic cardiomyopathy, glomerulonephritis and disseminated coagulopathy, the activity of AT-III was lower than in healthy animals. The lower values were due to decreased synthesis, increased consumption, or the loss of AT-III. An acquired deficiency of AT-III appears to favour the development of thrombophlebitis.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Clinical findings in cows after experimental infection with Ehrlichia phagocytophila.

The goal of this study was to determine the clinical signs and course of disease in five lactating cows and in five dry cows after experimental infection with Ehrlichia phagocytophila. Ten clinically healthy Swiss Braunvieh cows, seronegative for E. phagocytophila, were injected with 50 ml of whole blood containing E. phagocytophila. The cows were examined daily for 21 days, and blood samples were collected for microscopic examination of leukocytes for the infective agent. All cows became ill with symptoms of tick-borne fever after an incubation period of 5 to 9 days. The most important clinical signs were pyrexia (40.2-41.7 degrees C), decreased milk production and mildly to moderately disturbed general condition. In addition, there were respiratory symptoms such as polypnea, nasal discharge, cough and abnormal lung sounds. Clinical signs returned to normal in all cows without treatment after an average of 8 days. E. phagocytophila bodies were seen in leukocytes 5-8 days after infection and were present for 6-14 days. The course of disease was more severe in dry cows than in lactating cows. It can be concluded that experimental infection of cows with E. phagocytophila generally has a mild course. However, the associated decrease in milk production may be of economic importance.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Laboratory findings in cows after experimental infection with Ehrlichia phagocytophila.

The goal of this study was to assess various hematological variables in 10 cows after experimental infection with Ehrlichia phagocytophila. Blood samples were collected at regular intervals for examination of leukocytes for Ehrlichia organisms and for determination of hematological and biochemical variables. In addition, PCR amplification was performed throughout the disease period on blood and milk samples for the detection of E. phagocytophila organisms. The time of seroconversion and the duration of serum titers indicating positivity were determined by indirect immunofluorescence. For all cows, E. phagocytophila organisms were first detected microscopically in leukocytes 5 to 8 days postinfection and could be demonstrated for a period of 6 to 14 days. For all cows, the appearance of E. phagocytophila organisms in leukocytes coincided with transient erythropenia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia and a decrease in hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration. For five lactating cows, E. phagocytophila organisms were identified in leukocytes of milk samples during the acute phase of the disease, which, we believe, has not previously been reported. E. phagocytophila DNA was detected in blood samples by nested PCR from 1 to 2 days before to 2 to 12 days after the organisms were identified microscopically. In milk samples, E. phagocytophila DNA was detected for an average of 11 days.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Granulocytic ehrlichiosis in two dogs in Switzerland.

This case report describes two dogs with granulocytic ehrlichiosis. Dog 1 was a male Labrador retriever with clinical signs of lymphosarcoma. Dog 2 was a female Airedale terrier, whose clinical signs included apathy, pyrexia, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Examination of blood smears revealed Ehrlichia organisms in the neutrophils of both dogs. There was thrombocytopenia in both dogs, and dog 2 also had leukopenia. In both dogs, bands of identical length were amplified from DNA of leukocytes via nested PCR. The bands had identical nucleotide sequences, which differed from the gene sequences of Ehrlichia equi and E. phagocytophila in three and two positions, respectively. Interestingly, the nucleotide sequence of the 16S rRNA was 100% homologous to that of a human granulocytic ehrlichia.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Lead poisoning of calves pastured in the target area of a military shooting range.

Five calves, seven to nine months of age, were put on pasture in the target area of a shooting range in early May. Acute lead poisoning occurred in one of the calves after five days of grazing, the remainder became ill one to three days later. The most important symptoms consisted of neurological disturbances and included maniacal movements, opisthotonos, drooling, rolling of the eyes, convulsions, licking, champing of the jaws, bruxism, bellowing and breaking through fences All but one calf, which was euthanatized, died within several hours of the occurrence of the first symptoms. In one calf, the concentration of lead in samples of whole blood (940 micrograms/l), liver (38 mg/kg wet weight) and kidney (30 mg/kg wet weight) were markedly increased Post mortem examination of this calf revealed acute cardiac, renal and pulmonary haemorrhage, acute tubulonephrosis and acute severe pulmonary emphysema. The concentration of lead in the dry matter of a grass and a soil sample from the target zone of the shooting range were 29550 mg/kg and 3900 mg/kg, respectively. Further investigation revealed that this area had been used as a military shooting range for many years, and in the previous year, approximately 20000 bullets with lead contents of either 3.05 g or 8.55 g had been fired. The results of this study indicate that the target area of shooting ranges must not be used for pasture or for food production for animals or humans.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

[Clinical examination upon suspicion of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)].

The most important clinical signs of BSE are hypersensitivity to manipulations of the head and neck and disturbances in behaviour and locomotion. Diagnostic procedures include thorough clinical and neurological examination with emphasis on the assessment of behaviour, locomotion and sensitivity. The findings have to be interpreted carefully and depending on the diagnosis, national animal health regulations must be followed.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

[Cerebrospinal nematodiasis in seven goats].

Clinical findings in seven goats affected with cerebrospinal nematodiasis are described. The animals originated from different parts of Switzerland. The disease occurred mainly in winter. The animals were admitted to the clinic because of progressive pelvic limb ataxia, recumbency, vestibular disease and circling. Clinical findings were complete or incomplete posterior paresis, pelvic limb ataxia, circling, reduced cutaneous sensation and proprioceptive deficits as well as cranial nerve reflexes deficits. The general condition was slightly reduced and the appetite was normal. In three goats predominance of mononuclear and eosinophilic cells in the cerebrospinal fluid was interpreted as typical findings for parasite infestation in the central nervous system. Histopathological changes and the finding of a nematode in cross sections in two affected animals confirmed the diagnosis. Infection with Elaphostrongylus cervi is discussed due to close contact with deer.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

[Occurrence of bovine ehrlichiosis in the canton Obwalden].

Due the examination of six Brown Swiss cows the "Schinberg-fever" a clinical picture known for years in central Switzerland could be identified as bovine ehrlichiosis. Clinical signs were observed 23 to 116 days after the animals were turned out on pasture. Main symptoms were fever and reduced milk yield. All animals were infested with ticks and showed a severe leucopenia. In buffy coat preparations Ehrlichia phagocytophila could be identified in neutrophils and eosinophils, rarely in monocytes. All six cows could be successfully treated with oxytetracycline.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

[Serologic studies on the occurrence of bovine ehrlichiosis in the cantons Zürich, Schaffhausen, Thurgau, St. Gallen and Obwalden].

The purpose of this study was to investigate the geographical distribution of bovine ehrlichiosis in the Cantons Zürich, Schaffhausen, Thurgau, St. Gallen and Obwalden. To this end, an indirect immunofluorescence assay was established. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity was estimated to be close to 100% based on the results obtained with several reference sera from the US National Veterinary Services Laboratories and the seroconversion panels of 20 heifers and cows. Blood samples from 2557 healthy cattle were tested for antibody response against Ehrlichia phagocytophila. Ninety-three animals (3.6%) were seropositive with titers ranging from 1:20 to 1:320. Most of the positive animals were found in the area north of lake Zürich spanning to the german border, in the area between Walensee and Bad Ragaz, the Rhine valley and Klein Melchtal. All seropositive animals had grazed on pastures or alps with a favourable biotope for the tick Ixodes ricinus.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Prophylaxis of intravenous catheter-related thrombophlebitis in cattle.

Two methods of preventing intravenous catheter-related thrombophlebitis of the jugular vein, using clinical and ultrasonographic criteria, were compared. The first method consisted of minimising bacteriological contamination by the preparation of the skin as if for surgery. The second method involved the daily subcutaneous administration of low doses of heparin to decrease procoagulant activity. The results showed that the preparation of the skin before the placement of an indwelling catheter in the jugular vein and adequate daily maintenance of the catheter were of great importance in the prevention of thrombophlebitis induced by bacteriological contamination. The use of heparin should be limited to cases that require long-term catheterisation or are predisposed to thrombosis or other clotting abnormalities.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

[A case of acute disseminated pneumomycosis in a cow].

The case of a five year old Swiss Braunvieh cow suffering from an acute disseminated mycotic pneumonia caused by an Aspergillus fumigatus infection is presented. The animal had calved one month previously and was admitted to the clinic because of recurrent fever. Clinical findings included a reduced general condition, a rectal temperature of 40.6 degrees C, an increased respiratory rate, coughing and serous nasal discharge. On auscultation increased bronchovesicular sounds and moist rales could be heard. Radiographs of the thorax showed a diffuse interstitial nodular pattern throughout the lung. The cow had to be slaughtered in spite of intensive therapy. Necropsy showed multiple nodules measuring up to 4 mm in diameter covering the entire surface of the lungs. Histology revealed an acute disseminated necrotising bronchopneumonia containing numerous branched, septate fungal hyphae identified as Aspergillus fumigatus. A primary aerogenous infection caused by inhalation of spores originating from mouldy hay or soil was suspected.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1996

Ultrasonography of the lungs, pleura, and mediastinum in healthy cows.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the ultrasonographic appearance of the lungs, pleura, and mediastinum of cattle. DESIGN: Transcutaneous ultrasonography of the lungs and pleura was performed on the right and left sides of the thorax. The mediastinum was examined transesophageally. ANIMALS: 50 healthy cows. PROCEDURE: The thoracic wall, pleura, and pulmonary surface were visualized on both sides of the thorax via transcutaneous ultrasonography. The cranial mediastinal lymph node, right azygos vein, aorta, and caudal vena cava were visualized via transesophageal ultrasonography. RESULTS: The layers of the thoracic wall appeared as narrow bends that varied in echogenicity. They were followed medially by an echogenic line that represented the costal and pulmonary pleurae. Reverberation artifacts were seen medial to the pleura. The pulmonary parenchyma could not be visualized ultrasonographically because of its air content. The cranial mediastinal lymph node appeared circular to oval. The right azygos vein was situated immediately adjacent to the cranial mediastinal lymph node. The aorta appeared circular to oval on cross-sectional view with an echogenic wall and an anechoic lumen. The caudal vena cava appeared as a tubular structure with an anechoic content and an echogenic wall. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography of the lungs, pleura, and mediastinum in healthy cows provides information that can be used as a reference when examining cattle with suspected disease of the thorax.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

[Chylothorax in a calf].

A case of chylothorax caused by fracture of thoracal vertebrae in a two-day-old Swiss Braunvieh male calf ist described. The clinical symptoms were those of a unilateral, progressive pleural effusion. This was confirmed by radiological and ultrasonographic examinations. Thoracocentesis was performed under ultrasonographic assistance. The liquid obtained from the pleural cavity was turbid and contained chylomicrons, lymphocytes and neutrophilic granulocytes as well as a high concentration of triglycerides. These qualities go together with chylus. Immunohistological examination for BVD virus turned out to be positive. An intrauterine disturbance of osteogenesis due to BVD virus must be considered a possible cause for fracture of vertebrae during delivery.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Ultrasonographic findings in cows with cholestasis.

Four cows with cholestasis, whose general condition was moderately to severely disturbed, were examined. Two of them had signs of colic, and one had severe pruritus. All of them had jaundice and three had dermatitis solaris. Bilirubinuria occurred in three of the cows and they all had increased concentrations of serum bilirubin and serum bile acids and increased activities of hepatic enzymes. An ultrasonographic examination of the liver and gallbladder revealed that in one cow only the extrahepatic bile ducts were dilated, in another only the intrahepatic bile ducts were dilated and in the other two both the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts were dilated. In three of the cows the gallbladder was severely dilated and the wall was thickened. Ultrasonographically, the bile appeared either anechoic or echogenic. Surgical or post mortem examinations revealed that the cholestasis in one cow was attributable to obstruction of the common hepatic duct in the area of the hepatic hilus, in two it was caused by obstruction of the common bile duct near the duodenal papilla, and in the fourth cow, the common bile duct was compressed by adhesions, resulting from peritonitis, which involved the liver, gallbladder and abdominal wall.

Animals↗