Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

D M Rings

Publications and source records attributed to D M Rings.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Abomasal luminal pressure in cattle with abomasal volvulus or left displaced abomasum.

The abomasal luminal pressure was determined during surgery in 54 dairy cows with abomasal volvulus (AV) and another 50 dairy cows with left displaced abomasum. The luminal pressure was high in all cattle with AV and 49 (98%) cattle with left displaced abomasum. Luminal pressure was significantly higher in cattle with AV (median, 11.7 mm of Hg; range, 4.1 to 32.4 mm of Hg) than cattle with left displaced abomasum (median, 8.7 mm of Hg; range, 3.5 to 20.7 mm of Hg). Among cattle with AV, abomasal luminal pressure was significantly higher in cattle that died or were sold for slaughter following surgery (median, 20.6 mm of Hg; n = 8) than in cattle that were retained in the herd (median, 11.0 mm of Hg; n = 46). The luminal pressure was weakly correlated with the preoperative serum alkaline phosphatase activity but not correlated with duration of inappetence before surgery. Calculation of likelihood ratios and construction of a response operating characteristic curve for cattle with AV indicated that a cut-off value of 16 mm of Hg for luminal pressure optimized the distribution of cattle into productive and nonproductive groups. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of a luminal pressure < 16 mm of Hg in predicting a productive outcome were 0.83, 0.75, 0.95, and 0.43, respectively.

Abomasum↗

Risk factors for abomasal volvulus and left abomasal displacement in cattle.

A hospital-based case-control study was conducted to evaluate and compare risk factors for abomasal volvulus (AV) and left displaced abomasum (LDA) in cattle. Medical record abstracts were derived from 17 North American veterinary schools by the Veterinary Medical Data Program for all cattle admitted between Jan 1, 1977 and Dec 31, 1986, and for those with a diagnosis of AV or LDA. From a total of 108,956 individual cattle records, 1,036 cases of AV and 7,695 cases of LDA were identified, with a ratio of LDA to AV cases of 7.4 to 1. In-hospital mortality was 23.5% for AV and 5.6% for LDA. Age, breed, gender, and season each had significant (P less than 0.05) effects on risk for AV and LDA. Risk for AV and LDA increased with increasing age, with greater risk in cattle aged 4 to 7 years. Dairy cattle were at higher risk of developing AV (adjusted odds ratio, 36.4) and LDA (adjusted odds ratio, 95.2) than were beef cattle. The odds of AV in Brown Swiss cattle were significantly (P less than 0.0001) lower, and the odds of LDA in Guernsey cattle were significantly (P less than 0.0001) higher than those in Holstein cattle. Female cattle were also at higher risk of developing AV (adjusted odds ratio, 3.3) and LDA (adjusted odds ratio, 29.1) than were male cattle. The odds of AV and LDA varied considerably throughout the year, with the lowest number of cases observed in autumn. Seasonal development of AV differed significantly (P less than 0.0001) from that of LDA, with the odds of AV and LDA being highest in January and March, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Abomasum↗

Prognostic value of surgical and postoperative findings in cattle with abomasal volvulus.

A prospective study evaluating the prognostic value of surgical and postoperative findings in 80 cattle with abomasal volvulus was performed. Surgical correction of abomasal volvulus was performed in all animals. After surgery, cattle were categorized into 3 groups: productive (acceptable milk production or appetite, n = 59), salvaged (poor milk production or appetite, n = 10), and nonsurvivors (n = 11). Cattle with omasal-abomasal volvulus had a significantly (P less than 0.005) worse prognosis than cattle without omasal involvement. Large abomasal fluid volume, venous thrombosis, and blue or black abomasal color before decompression were all indicative of a poor prognosis. Most cattle had poor or fair appetites the first day after surgery; productive animals had marked improvement in appetite over the next 3 days. All cattle observed to have a good appetite within 3 days after surgery were later determined to be productive animals. The heart rate decreased in all groups after surgery; however, tachycardia (heart rate greater than 80 beats/min) was sustained in cattle that were later salvaged for slaughter. Diarrhea was observed after surgery in 54% of cattle. The duration of diarrhea was significantly shorter (P = 0.009) in productive cattle than in salvaged and nonsurviving cattle. The presence or absence of diarrhea was only of predictive value when considered in conjunction with the estimated abomasal fluid volume.

Abomasum↗

Preoperative prognostic indicators in cattle with abomasal volvulus.

A prospective study evaluating preoperative prognostic indicators in 80 cattle with abomasal volvulus was done. Surgical correction of the abomasal volvulus was performed in all animals. After surgery, cattle were categorized into 3 groups: productive (acceptable milk production or appetite, n = 59), salvaged (poor milk production or appetite, n = 10), and nonsurvivors (n = 11). Mean values for study variables did not differ significantly between salvaged and nonsurvivor groups. Cattle in these 2 groups were combined to form a nonproductive group, which was compared with the productive group. Productive cattle had a significantly lower preoperative heart rate than nonproductive cattle, were less dehydrated, had lower serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and serum creatinine concentration, more frequent rumen contractions, higher serum Na+ and Cl- concentrations, and had been inappetent for a shorter period. Significant differences were not detected in blood pH, base excess, anion gap, PCV, and serum K+ concentrations between the 2 groups. Feces from nonproductive cattle tended to be reduced in volume and were significantly darker. A number of preoperative prognostic indices were evaluated by calculating the sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (+PV) of each variable and by using logistic regression. Positive predictive values were generally higher in identifying productive cattle than nonproductive cattle.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Abomasum↗

Pharmacokinetics of rifampin in adult sheep.

Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of rifampin in adult sheep were investigated by use of high-performance liquid chromatography for determination of serum concentrations. Eight adult ewes were given rifampin PO at the rate of 50 mg of rifampin/kg of body weight. Three weeks after the first experiment, the sheep were given rifampin PO and IV at the rate of 20 mg/kg in a cross-over design, with 1 week between treatments. Serum obtained over a 36-hour period was analyzed for rifampin and a potential metabolite, 25-desacetyl-rifampin, using reverse-phase chromatography with UV detection at 254 nm. Data were analyzed by compartmental and noncompartmental models. Analysis by the noncompartmental model of rifampin serum concentrations after IV administration yielded a mean +/- SD total body clearance of 1.16 +/- 0.21 ml/min/kg, apparent volume of distribution at steady state of 0.45 +/- 0.06 L/kg, and terminal elimination rate constant of 0.15 +/- 0.04 hour-1. The harmonic mean of the elimination half-life was 4.56 hours. Because of incomplete and continuing absorption, bioavailability was extremely variable after oral administration. Desacetyl-rifampin was not detected. On the basis of pharmacokinetic values, serum concentrations measured in this study, and published minimal inhibitory concentrations, the dosage of 20 mg of rifampin/kg, PO, every 24 hours should provide adequate serum concentrations for treatment of rifampin-susceptible bacterial infections in sheep.

Administration, Oral↗

Jejunal mucosal lactase activity from birth to three weeks in conventionally raised calves fed an electrolyte solution on days 5, 6 and 7 instead of milk.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of withdrawal of lactose from the diet for 72 hours on lactase activity in the jejunal mucosa of conventionally raised calves. The descending portion of the duodenum of six Holstein calves less than 24 hours old was cannulated. The calves were fed milk except on days 5, 6 and 7 when they were given the same volume of an electrolyte solution. Sequential biopsy specimens of the proximal jejunal mucosa were obtained for three weeks and the lactase activity determined. Lactase activity was highest on day 1 and a trend toward decreased lactase activity from birth until three weeks was observed. Mean lactase activity was significantly (p less than 0.05) higher for days 1, and 3 compared to days 9, 13 and 17. The withdrawal of milk and replacement by an electrolyte solution during three days had no significant effect on jejunal mucosal lactase activity in neonatal calves.

Animals↗

Clinical and electrocardiographic characterization of cattle with atrial premature complexes.

Atrial premature complexes (APC) were identified in 16 cows over a 2-year period. Fourteen cows had concurrent gastrointestinal disease. Variation in the intensity of the first heart sound and an occasionally irregular heart rhythm were evident during thoracic auscultation. Neither cardiac murmurs nor pulse deficits were detected in any cows, and clinical signs of heart failure were lacking. Three cows had APC immediately prior to or after development of atrial fibrillation. The heart rate when APC were diagnosed ranged from 48 to 124 beats/min (mean, 77 +/- 20 beats/min), and the APC frequency ranged from less than 1 to 23/min (mean 9.4 +/- 8.0). The P-wave morphologic characteristics in 4 cows with APC was abnormal. The coupling index of the APC varied between 0.44 and 0.95, with a mean of 0.73. Aberrant ventricular activation was usually associated with a short coupling interval (coupling index less than 0.60) and was observed in 3 cows. Ten cows were determined to be hypocalcemic and 4 cows hypokalemic when APC were identified. Atrial ectopic activity could not be detected in 12 cows after resolution of the concurrent gastrointestinal disorder or electrolyte abnormality. Atrial premature complexes may be a functional cardiac disorder in cattle, unrelated to structural heart disease. The potential for APC to progress to sustained atrial arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation should be considered.

Animals↗

Repair of anomalous nasolacrimal duct in a bull by use of conjunctivorhinostomy.

A proximal nasolacrimal duct anomaly, believed to be congenital, in a bull was repaired by use of conjunctivorhinostomy. Initial attempts at correction, using prolonged nasolacrimal duct catheterization, were unsuccessful. Trephination from the medial canthus to the ventral nasal meatus, combined with long-term catheterization of this new passage, was successful in resolving clinical signs of disease.

Animals↗

Renal excretion of creatinine, electrolytes, protein, and enzymes in healthy sheep.

Urinary indices of renal function and damage were measured in 6 healthy, mature ewes over a 48-hour period. Endogenous creatinine clearance, total and fractional electrolyte excretion rates, protein excretion, urine volume, and urine gamma-glutamyltransferase and beta-glucuronidase activities were measured. Significant variations in the excretion rates of creatinine, electrolytes, and protein were not found between intervals within the 48-hour urine collection period. Total urinary electrolyte excretion rates were significantly (P less than 0.001) correlated with fractional electrolyte excretion rates normalized for creatinine concentration; however, coefficient of determination was low.

Animals↗

Tarsal fractures in a heifer and a bull.

Tarsal fractures were diagnosed in a heifer and a bull. In both cases, radiography confirmed intra-articular fractures, with subluxation of the fracture fragment. Sudden, nonreducible hock flexion was a clinical sign in both cases. This sign may be highly suggestive of intra-articular fracture when diagnosis must be made without radiography.

Animals↗

Atresia coli in calves: 26 cases (1977-1987).

Atresia coli was identified in 26 calves. In calves with abdominal distension, progressive depression, and the absence of feces since birth, atresia coli should be suspected. Surgery was performed on 24 calves, involving decompression of the distended large intestine followed by colonic anastomosis. Nine calves were subsequently discharged; 3 of those calves reached breeding age. As an adult, 1 of the calves produced 5 offspring unaffected by atresia coli. Early postoperative mortality was associated with hypothermia, peritonitis, and ischemic necrosis of the large intestine. Calves with visible signs of peritonitis at surgery had a poor prognosis. Four calves had motility disturbances of the colon after surgery. These were characteristic of a functional obstruction and were unresponsive to treatment. Surgery was most successful in calves that were bright, alert, and ambulatory.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

Bovine fetal infection with Mycobacterium paratuberculosis.

In utero transmission of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis, the causative agent of paratuberculosis in cattle, has been suggested. Tissue specimens were obtained at a packing plant from pregnant dairy cows and their fetuses and from cows with clinical signs of paratuberculosis and from their fetuses. Specimens were processed according to methods described for isolating M paratuberculosis from bovine tissues and were incubated on Herrold egg yolk medium for 16 weeks. Presumed positive specimens were confirmed to be M paratuberculosis, using acid-fast staining and subculturing. Of 407 lymph nodes from cows, 34 (8.4%) were culture positive for M paratuberculosis; 9 of 34 (26.4%) of these culture-positive cows had fetuses from which specimens were also culture positive. The results estimated the risk of fetal infection with M paratuberculosis to be 26.4% (95% confidence interval between 11.3 and 40.7%).

Animals↗

Idiopathic gonitis in heifers: 34 cases (1976-1986).

Acute suppurative arthritis of the stifle joint was diagnosed in 34 Holstein heifers between 1976 and 1986. Only 1 stifle joint was affected in each heifer; however, 1 heifer also had involvement of the contralateral radiocarpal joint. In each heifer, there was marked lameness and synovitis characterized by an effusion with high synovial fluid nucleated cell counts and total protein concentration. Seventy-four percent (25/34) of the heifers had radiographic evidence of an osteolytic lesion involving the lateral tibial plateau. Bacteriologic cultures of synovial fluid, synovial membrane, and bone yielded no growth. Eighteen of 23 (78%) affected heifers for which follow-up data was obtained became productive herd members after treatment.

Animals↗

Jejunal mucosal lactase activity from birth to 3 weeks in conventionally raised calves.

The descending portion of the duodenum of 6 Holstein calves less than 24 hours old was cannulated. Sequential biopsy specimens of the proximal jejunal mucosa were obtained every other day for 3 weeks. Lactase activity in the mucosal specimens was determined and was highest at day 1, but decreased with age. Mean lactase activity was significantly (P less than 0.05) higher for days 1, 3, 5, and 7, compared with days 19 and 21.

Aging↗

Comparison of three intestinal cannulas used to obtain repeated biopsy of the jejunal mucosa in the newborn calf.

This project was designed to develop a standardized cannulation technique which would allow repeated jejunal mucosal biopsy. Three intestinal cannulas of various designs were evaluated in a total of 25 neonatal calves. Cannula A, a T-design made of acrylic plastic, was implanted into the jejunum (2) or duodenum (7). Cannula A did not allow proper directional passage of the biopsy instrument. Peritonitis was diagnosed at necropsy in 4 calves. Cannula B, a modification of A with an angled port to facilitate the directional passage of the biopsy instrument, also proved unsatisfactory. This cannula required a larger enterotomy for placement and resulted in the death of 1 calf. Cannula C was made of tygon tubing with a proxplast mesh flange which was sutured to the serosal surface of the intestine. No intestinal leakage was observed in 14 calves fitted with this cannula. This cannula was the least expensive and allowed the biopsy instrument to be easily directed. Surgical implantation of this cannula (C) in the descending duodenum proved to be an excellent method to obtain successive mucosal biopsies of the jejunum in the neonatal calf.

Animals↗

Abomasal volvulus in cattle following correction of left displacement by casting and rolling.

Seven adult cows developed abomasal volvulus immediately following correction of left displacement by casting and rolling. Three cows were rolled to provide temporary relief from left displaced abomasum because of concurrent disease and 4 were rolled as the principal therapy for left displacement. In each animal surgical correction of abomasal volvulus was accomplished via right paralumbar fossa celiotomy and inclusion of an omentopexy during abdominal closure. Surgery was performed within 24 hours of casting and rolling. All 7 cows recovered after surgery and were reported to have satisfactory milk production and appetite 6 weeks later.

Abomasum↗

Prognostic value of anion gap calculation in cattle with abomasal volvulus: 58 cases (1980-1985).

Values for anion gap, serum chloride, and base excess were tabulated for 58 dairy cows with abomasal volvulus. Test values for survivors (n = 40) and nonsurvivors (n = 18) were compared. Surviving cattle were released for production or salvage. Nonsurviving cows died or were euthanatized. Accuracy of preoperative anion gap, serum chloride, and base excess values in predicting outcome was evaluated by calculating the sensitivity, specificity, predictive value, and negative predictive value of these at assigned cutoff values. Anion gaps greater than or equal to 30 mEq/L were indicative of a poor prognosis. At this value, the sensitivity (0.889), specificity (0.925), predictive value (0.842), negative predictive value (0.949), and efficiency (0.914) were higher than when serum chloride concentration less than or equal to 84 mEq/L or base excess value less than or equal to 0 were used to denote poor prognosis. We concluded that preoperative anion gap calculation could reliably predict the outcome of cows with abomasal volvulus and was more accurate than either serum chloride concentration or base excess value.

Abomasum↗