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R Eicher

Publications and source records attributed to R Eicher.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

[New aspects on the etiopathogenesis and treatment of cecal dilatation/-dislocation in cows--a review].

This paper describes the latest results of research in the areas of etiopathogenesis and treatment of cecal dilatation/-dislocation (CDD) in cows. Similar etiopathogenic mechanisms of CDD and displacement of the abomasum, as has been hypothesized in the literature, were not confirmed. Spontaneous CDD is most likely the consequence of a dysfunction of the spiral colon. Bethanechol is an appropriate motility-modulating drug for medical and postsurgical treatment of spontaneous CDD.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

[Epidemiology and risk factors of cecal dilatation/dislocation and abomasal displacement in dairy cows].

The aims of the study were to determine the prevalence of cecal dilatation/dislocation (CDD) and abomasal displacement (DA) in Switzerland, to identify risk factors for both diseases, and to compare directly their epidemiologic situation. The epidemiologic study included 158 cases of CDD and 149 cases of DA from the cases referred to both University Clinics of Berne and Zurich. The results showed that DA was associated with nutrition-related risk factors: use of minerals and sodium chloride, inadequate concentrate feeding and beginning of the feeding. Furthermore, breed was significantly associated with DA, but not with CDD. Finally, milk yield and pasture were also significantly included in the models. For CDD, nutrition-related risk factors were also found: pasture in summer, use of corn pellets and corn silage in winter. In the final model, protein concentrate was also included. Although both diseases were found at comparable frequencies, the results of this study indicate marked differences between the epidemiology of occurrence of CDD and DA. Therefore, the hypothesis of a common etiopathogenesis appears unlikely.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Effect of cow-specific factors and feeding frequency of concentrate on diurnal variations of blood metabolites in dairy cows.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of feeding frequency and cow-specific factors on diurnal variations of blood metabolites concentrations. ANIMALS: 40 dairy cows from 2 herds. PROCEDURE: Each herd was fed concentrate at a specific feeding frequency (automatic vs twice daily). Blood samples were collected 4 times daily. Plasma concentrations of glucose, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) were analyzed, and concentrations of urea, cholesterol, and total protein (TP) were determined in serum samples. A multivariate repeated-measures ANOVA was used to test the effect of time, feeding frequency, production group, parity, days after parturition, and daily milk yield on diurnal variations of metabolites. RESULTS: Concentrations of glucose, BHBA, and urea remained relatively constant in the herd that was fed by use of automatic distribution of concentrate; however, significant diurnal patterns were detected in the herd fed only twice daily. Only slight differences in glucose and urea concentrations were detected between high- and low-producing cows, but concentration of BHBA was significantly influenced by number of days in lactation. In contrast, diurnal variations in NEFA and cholesterol concentrations were similar between the 2 herds but differed with regard to production group. Concentrations of TP did not have relevant diurnal patterns and did not differ between production groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Diurnal variations and feeding frequency affect glucose, BHBA, and urea concentrations in cows. In contrast, concentrations of NEFA, cholesterol, and TP appear to be less sensitive to time of sample collection. Feeding frequency, composition of feed, or both, have a major impact on blood metabolites concentrations.

3-Hydroxybutyric Acid↗
PubMed1999

Concentration of volatile fatty acids in digesta samples obtained from healthy cows and cows with cecal dilatation or dislocation.

OBJECTIVE: To compare concentrations of acetic, propionic, butyric, and i- and n-valerianic acids in digesta samples obtained from the rumen, cecum, proximal loop of the ascending colon (PLAC), and rectum of healthy cows and cows with cecal dilatation or dislocation (CDD). ANIMALS: 20 cows with CDD and 20 healthy cows. PROCEDURE: Samples were collected from all sites during surgical correction of CDD and also from the rectum 1, 2, and 3 days after surgery (group CDD). Samples from healthy (control) cows, matched on the basis of diet and milk yield, were obtained at a slaughterhouse. Concentrations of volatile fatty acids (VFA) were analyzed by use of gas chromatography. Absolute concentration of each VFA was additionally corrected for pH to allow calculation of the concentration of undissociated VFA. RESULTS: Absolute concentration and concentration of the undissociated form of all analyzed VFA were significantly increased in samples collected from the cecum and PLAC of cows in group CDD, compared with concentrations for control cows. Within 3 days after surgery, significant decreases of the absolute concentration of butyric, i- and n-valerianic acids, and undissociated i- and n-valerianic acids were evident in samples obtained from the rectum of group-CDD cows. Concentrations of VFA in samples obtained from the rectum during surgery correlated with corresponding VFA concentrations in samples obtained from the PLAC. CONCLUSIONS: Concentrations of VFA are increased in the cecum and PLAC of cows with CDD. However, the role of increased concentrations of VFA in the etiopathogenesis of CDD is unknown.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Permanent implantation of a reinforced polytetrafluoroethylene vascular graft for treatment of artificial defects of the teat cistern mucosa in cows.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate use of a reinforced polytetrafluoroethylene vascular graft for treatment of an artificial defect of mucosa of the teat cistern in lactating cows. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 9 clinically normal lactating dairy cows. PROCEDURE: A 20-mm wide circumferential area of mucosa was sharply excised from the cistern of 1 teat on each cow 10 days after spontaneous calving, and the lesion was covered by a graft. After 14 days of passive milk drainage, routine milking was resumed. Follow-up examinations were performed during the next 2 lactation periods and included evaluation of wound healing, location and sonographic appearance of the implant, milk flow and yield, and somatic cell counts. Cows were slaughtered, and teats and mammary glands were examined microscopically. RESULTS: Implants had partially to totally collapsed within 30 to 90 days. Milk flow was significantly increased by day 15 of the first lactation, but decreased significantly by day 300 of lactation 1. At the end of lactation 1, milk flow had ceased in 3 out of 7 quarters. Only 3 of 9 quarters drained through grafted teats were milkable at the end of the study. Somatic cell counts of these quarters were significantly increased in the first lactation period. At necropsy, 2 grafts were in the teat cistern, but only 1 was incorporated into the mucosa by connective tissue. The mucosa was thickened in all teats with grafts, and there was epithelial metaplasia and granulation tissue proliferation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Use of a polytetrafluoroethylene graft can preserve patency in the first lactation period. However, the graft may not be sufficiently incorporated into the mucosa if routine machine milking is resumed 2 weeks after implantation. )

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Biochemical markers of bone metabolism in draught and warmblood horses.

Concentrations of the cross-linked carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) and osteocalcin (OC) have been determined in the serum of one hundred clinically healthy adult Draught or Warmblood horses. The correlation between these two markers has been evaluated and the influence of gender, age and type of horse described. No significant variations were observed between animals of different sex, but a significant inverse correlation (P < 0.0001) with age was observed for both measured parameters. After correction for age, serum levels of OC were found to be lower in Draught [adjusted least square mean (LSM) = 6.612 micrograms.L-1] than in Warmblood horses (adjusted LSM = 8.596 micrograms.L-1), whereas levels of ICTP were higher in Draughts (adjusted LSM = 8.035 micrograms.L-1) than in Warmbloods (adjusted LSM = 6.643 micrograms.L-1). A significant correlation (P < 0.0001) was observed between OC and ICTP. This correlation was stronger if the type of horse was taken into account in the statistical model. The ratio OC:ICTP was independent of gender and age. A higher OC:ICTP ratio in Warmbloods compared to the Draught horses might reflect a higher bone remodelling level of horses submitted to regular daily work. It was concluded that ICTP and OC are influenced by the type of horse, and probably reflect a physiological difference in bone remodelling between these animals.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1998

Comparison of bone resorption markers during hypocalcemia in dairy cows.

This study investigated whether hydroxyproline, deoxypyridinoline, or the carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen could be used as markers to provide evidence of bone resorption during hypocalcemia of dairy cows. Serum concentrations of the amino-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen were also analyzed to study the effect of parturition on type III collagen, which is a component of soft connective tissues. Urine and blood samples were collected on d 1 to 5, on d 9, and d 14 after parturition from 18 cows with symptoms of periparturient paresis (group 1) and 19 healthy control cows without symptoms (group 2). Urine concentrations of hydroxyproline and deoxypyridinoline were measured with a colorimetric assay and an enzyme immunoassay, respectively. Serum concentrations of the amino-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen were measured using a commercially available radioimmunoassay. A radioimmunoassay was developed to analyze serum concentrations of the carboxyterminal telopeptide of bovine type I collagen. The mean corrected urinary hydroxyproline concentrations in group 1 increased from parturition to d 14; concentrations in group 1 were significantly higher for group 2 after d 5. Mean corrected deoxypyridinoline concentrations in urine increased after parturition to reach a peak at d 9, and serum concentrations of the carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen peaked at d 5. However, mean concentrations of deoxypyridinoline and the carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen did not differ significantly between groups. The variation in the behavior of the three markers is likely a reflection of the different phases and aspects of the bone collagen degradation. In conclusion, assays for urinary deoxypyridinoline and serum carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen determinations are useful tools to follow the course of degradation of bone collagen in dairy cows.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed1998

[Cancer eye in cattle: 21 cases (1990-1996)].

Between 1990 and 1996, 21 cows suffering from cancer eye had been admitted to the Clinic for Food Animals and Horses, University of Bern. Case history and localization and dimension of the tumor at admission were evaluated. Treatment consisted of bulbus extirpation in 17 of 21 cows. In two cows, cryosurgery was performed, while two cows were slaughtered for economic reasons. Telephone follow-up inquiries were performed between 10 and 84 months after surgery. Mean survival time after surgery was 15 months. Recurrence of the tumor was evident in six cases within 2 to 14 months after surgery. We recommend bulbus extirpation in cows with cancer eye to extend productive life.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

[Multifactorial effect of intrinsic animal factors, season and herd effect on the parameter of metabolic profile in dairy cows: energy and protein metabolism].

In this study, we investigated in a multivariate approach the multifactorial relationships between intrinsic factors, season, time of sampling during the year, and herd effect on one side, and selected biochemical markers of the energy and protein metabolism on the other side. A total of 370 cows (158 in summer and 212 in winter) were investigated within 0-160 days post partum. The following metabolites were chosen: glucose, nonesterified fatty acids, b-hydroxybutyrate, cholesterol and urea. Multiple linear regression models with only intrinsic factors had generally low coefficients of determination (r2). Season had a significant effect on all metabolites excepted glucose, but introduction of this factor in the models did not increase r2 markedly. Herd effect was highly significant for all blood parameters. Despite the reduction of the number of cases, models within season showed higher r2 than the overall models. This leads to the conclusion that, according to the season, some factors have different effects which neutralize themselves during the whole year. Many interactions herd x factors were significant for each metabolite. This means that the effect of the factors is different among herds. These interactions were especially strong for glucose, b-hydroxybutyrate and urea nitrogen, which usually show short-term responses to feeding changes. The regression models showed generally high coefficients of determination. It is concluded that these factors and interactions have to be introduced as covariates in models designed to investigate the relationships between biochemical markers and clinical findings.

3-Hydroxybutyric Acid↗
PubMed1998

[Determination of bone markers in dairy cows with parturient paresis].

The collagen metabolites hydroxyproline (HYP), deoxypyridinoline (DPD) and pyridinoline (PYD) are suitable markers for bone resorption in humans and several animal species. In a field trial cows with symptoms of periparturient paresis (group A) and healthy control cows without symptoms (group B) were compared and urine and blood samples were collected on day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9 and 14 after parturition. In group A the mean +/- SE serum Ca concentration on day 1 was 1.4 +/- 0.1 mmol/l whereas those of group B were 2.0 +/- 0.1 mmol/l. A significant increase of the corrected urinary HYP concentration was observed from parturition to day 14 (from 2.8 to 8.8 mumol/mmol creatinine) and the concentrations at the different times were higher in group A than in group B. The mean corrected total and free DPD and total PYD concentration in urine increased after parturition to reach a peak at day 9. For DPD and PYD the mean concentrations between the two groups did not differ significantly. The DPD and PYD are useful tools to follow bone resorption in dairy cows, although in our study no difference between the two groups could be found which means that both groups were able to mobilize Ca from bone.

Amino Acids↗
PubMed1997

Influence of type and breed of horse on serum osteocalcin concentration, and evaluation of the applicability of a bovine radioimmunoassay and a human immunoradiometric assay [corrected].

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate applicability of a human osteocalcin (OC) immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) for use with equine serum and compare it with a bovine radioimmunoassay (RIA) previously proven valid for such samples, and to describe the effect of type and breed of horses on serum OC concentration. ANIMALS: 100 healthy horses of either sex, classified as type I or II (draught or warmblood, respectively). Each type was represented by 2 breed groups, each comprising 25 horses. PROCEDURE: Blood samples were collected in the morning, and the serum was separated. Osteocalcin was measured, using commercially available RIA and IRMA kits, according to the manufacturer's instructions. All samples were evaluated in duplicate. RESULTS: The human IRMA did not recognize equine OC. Significant variations in the bovine RIA results were observed between types of horses. Draught horses had lower OC concentration, compared with warmblood horses. Significant difference was not observed between breeds for type of horse. Sex had no influence on serum OC values, but age was a significant covariable for both types of horses. CONCLUSIONS: No crossreactivity exists between the equine and human amino- and/or carboxy-terminus of OC, using this particular human IRMA kit. Difference in blood OC concentration exists between draught and warmblood types of horses. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Use of this human IRMA kit is not valid for equine serum. Horse type must be taken into account when evaluating OC concentration in research or clinical situations, especially if small variations in OC concentration are expected.

Aging↗
PubMed1997

[Surgical treatment of carpal hygroma in cattle: 17 cases (1990-1994)].

This retrospective study describes the case reports of 17 cattle suffering from precarpal hygroma, admitted to the clinic for food animals and horses, University of Berne, between 1990 and 1994. The following criteria were evaluated: sex, age, and bodyweight, case history, clinical findings at admission, surgical technique, aftercare, and short- and long-term results. The hygroma was congenital in 3 cases and acquired at the age of 2 to 84 months in 14 cases. Characteristic clinical findings at admission were a non painful, fluctuating, well delineated swelling of the precarpal area with a maximal diameter of 6 to 20 cm, which did not provoke any lameness. Treatment consisted of surgical excision of the bursa. Surgery was performed under general anesthesia with the animal in lateral recumbency and the affected limb positioned uppermost. After placing a tourniquet proximal to the carpal joint, routine preparation and draping of the surgical field, the bursa was resected completely, a penrose drain introduced, and primary wound closure attempted. Aftercare consisted of parenteral antimicrobial treatment and immobilisation of the affected limb with a full-limb splint bandage to prevent wound dehiscence and seroma formation. Primary wound healing was achieved in all cases. At the time of long-term follow-up evaluation, 4 to 48 months after surgery, telephone conversation with the owners revealed uncomplicated healing in 16 cases. In one case, recurrence of the hygroma had occurred a few weeks after surgical excision had been performed.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Type 1 abomasal ulcers in dairy cattle.

Abomasa from 912 randomly selected cows were examined; specimens were obtained at the local slaughter house on 35 days spread over one year. Abomasal lesions were assessed macroscopically and histologically. Additionally, haematological and blood chemistry (urea, aspartate aminotransferase, potassium, chloride, calcium) evaluations and the determination of rumen chloride concentration were performed. Of the 912 abomasa examined, 187 (20.5%) had ulcerative lesions of the mucosa. Lesions were classified from 1 to 4 based on severity as described by Whitlock (1980). All ulcers were classified as type 1 (erosions and non-perforating ulcers); thus, further division into four subtypes 1 a, 1 b, 1 c and 1 d was carried out. Fifty-six abomasa had minimal mucosal defects which were classified as type 1 a. Deeper erosions combined with local hemorrhage, classified as type 1 b, were observed in 54 abomasa. Type 1 c were crater-like ulcers and were seen in 61 abomasa. Sixteen abomasa had type 1 d ulcers which included two forms: ulcers with radial wrinkles converging on a central point, and ulcers with perforated folds. Types 1 a and 1 c occurred mainly in the pyloric region, and types 1 b and 1 d were observed mainly in the fundic region. Type 1 abomasal ulcus could not be diagnosed based on alterations in haematological or blood and rumen chemistry values.

Abomasum↗
PubMed1989

Clinical findings in cattle with dilatation and torsion of the caecum.

Dilatation and torsion of the caecum is usually an acute illness with signs of ileus and this paper presents the clinical findings from 111 heifers and cows with the condition. On admission 61 per cent of the animals had been ill for less than 24 hours; the general condition was disturbed in 58 per cent of the animals, 39 per cent showed signs of colic; the rectal temperature was abnormal in 55 per cent, the heart rate in 40 per cent and the respiration rate in 52 per cent of the animals; rumen motility was reduced or absent in 85 per cent. One or more tests for foreign bodies were positive in 58 per cent, and swinging auscultation and percussion auscultation on the right side, either alone or in combination, were positive in 83 per cent of the animals. On rectal examination it was possible to palpate a pathologically distended, displaced or twisted caecum in 95 per cent of the animals. In 87 per cent defecation was reduced or absent. The most reliable diagnostic investigations were rectal examination and swinging and percussion auscultation on the right side.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

[Clarification of teat stenoses in cattle by ultrasound].

Ultrasonography and radiography were used as an adjunct to clinical examination in the evaluation of 73 obstructed teats in 63 dairy cows. The images obtained with a 3.5 MHz and a 5 MHz linear array transducer were compared with radiographs and correlated with findings obtained at surgery. Ultrasonography and radiography allowed a correct assessment of the lesions in 68 respectively 58 teats. In five cases the obstructive lesions in the teat canal were not clearly discernible when ultrasonography was used. Radiography was the method of choice for the evaluation of the teat canal and small mucosal folds in the milk cistern. Ultrasonography was the method of choice for the detection of obstructive lesions at the base of the teat; all 14 of these cases were assessed correctly using ultrasonography versus three of 14 when radiography was used. Ultrasonography is a useful tool for the practitioner to evaluate obstructive teat lesions.

Animals↗