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H Bostedt

Publications and source records attributed to H Bostedt.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Production, reproductive, and metabolic factors associated with chlamydial seropositivity and reproductive tract antigens in dairy herds with fertility disorders.

While chlamydial infections cause abortions in cattle, its role in other reproductive disorders is uncertain. This study identified the risk factors for chlamydial infection in herds with history of subfertility. We investigated the possible effects of coinfections, different metabolic parameters, abortion, ovarian cysts, pathological vaginal discharge, length of the open period, milk yield, housing conditions and age. In cows from 34 farms with elevated reproductive disorders, 41.5% had antibodies against chlamydia, while chlamydia antigen was detected in the vagina and uterus of 46.7%. A statistical relationship between seropositivity and antigen positivity was not found. Abortion (OR = 6.6) and loose housing (OR = 2.3) were risk factors for the presence of chlamydia antibodies. Furthermore, there were significant relationships between metabolic disorders and chlamydial infections. Increased levels of beta-hydroxybutaric acid (OR = 6.8) and hypocalcaemia (OR = 6.0) often accompanied chlamydia antigen in the vagina. Increased age (OR = 1.2) and pathological vaginal discharge (OR = 2.4) were identified as risk factors for chlamydia antigen in the vagina. The largest risk factor was for the association of ovarian cysts (OR = 21.5) with uterine antigen. In conclusion, chlamydial infection in dairy herd cows is best understood as a multifactorial disease.

3-Hydroxybutyric Acid↗

Histomorphology of the equine cervix.

The cervix provides an effective, morphological barrier between the uterus and the outside world. The aim of this study was to characterize the epithelial morphology and the vascular structures of the equine cervix along the longitudinal and horizontal axis in more detail by light microscopy. For this purpose, cervical tissue specimens that had been removed from five different regions along the caudocranial axis of 10 genitally healthy mares were available. The histological staining was carried out with haematoxylin-eosin, azan according to Heidenhain, periodic acid-Schiff reaction and resorcinfuchsin. An average epithelial cell height of 17.5 +/- 1.7 microm is measured, there being differences in the various areas of the mucosal folds and along the longitudinal axis of the cervix. Three types of cells can be differentiated morphologically. Contrary to the data in the literature, in a large number of cells the free cell membrane shows a clearly discernible border of kinocilia along the total cervical canal. The deep layers of the lamina propria mucosae show pronounced vascularization (46.3 +/- 25.1 vessels/mm2) that mainly consists of veins and venules. Support of the occlusive function of the cervical canal in the form of a cavernous body is assumed to be the function of this vascular plexus.

Animals↗

Immunohistochemical demonstration of connexin-related epithelization defects in a lamb caused by (erythro)keratodermia variabilis.

The distribution of four important connexins (Cx 26, 30, 31, 43) in the skin of a neonatal lamb with (erythro)keratodermia (EKV) was demonstrated using immunohistochemistry, including a very sensitive visualization system. The reaction staining for Cx 26, 30 and 31 was negative to weak in all skin structures, and only Cx 43 displayed weak to moderate positive reactions, although not uniformly distributed throughout the important systems (e.g. epidermis, hair follicle sheaths). Thus, the study proves for the first time that connexin defects are associated with the development of EKV in domesticated mammals, as they are in humans.

Animals↗

Influence of partus induction on the pH value in the blood of newborn piglets.

Partus induction is an important integrative component of reproduction management in the swine industry. In this context, the question is to what extent the application of uterotonic substances may influence the vitality of piglets. The blood pH value is used as a laboratory objective diagnostic parameter of neonatal acidosis. This parameter of the acid-base balance was examined in piglets born spontaneously at the 115th to 116th day of gestation (group 1, n = 57) and after two different partus induction protocols starting at the 114th day of gestation (group 2: combination of 175 microg of cloprostenol and 20 IU of oxytocin, n = 55; group 3: 175 microg of cloprostenol and 35 microg of carbetocin, n = 56). Initial blood samples were taken from each piglet at birth and 2 h later. The results show that the different protocols have no negative influence on the initial pH value and the compensation of neonatal acidosis until the second hour post-natum.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗

Distribution of eosinophils and mast cells in the cervical tissue of non-gravid mares during dioestrus.

Little is known about the local cellular immune system of the equine cervix. In this study we characterize the distribution of eosinophilic granulocytes and mast cells in the cervical tissue of non-gravid mares during dioestrus. For this purpose cervices of 10 mares were histologically examined after Sirius red and Toluidine blue staining. Both cell types could be found in the lamina propria mucosae. In the tunica muscularis the two cell populations were only rarely detected. No cells could be found in the epithelium mucosae. There was a decreasing cell density from the vaginal to uterine side of the cervix (p < 0.01). Therefore, eosinophils might be a part of the local cellular immune system of the equine cervix during dioestrus, unlike in animals studied so far as cows and rats.

Animals↗

[The duration of expulsion and the separation of the afterbirth in breeding cows--a contribution to the improvement of parturition monitoring].

The objective of this study was to obtain data on the duration of the expulsion and afterbirth stages and on the rate of contractions of the abdominal muscles in dams with eutocia (n = 81; heifers: 11; cows: 70). We also looked into the questions of whether and at which stage of expulsion there were differences in these parameters between cows and heifers as well as purebred Simmental (n = 49) and Simmental X Limousin (n = 21). The total period of expulsion (period from appearance of the phalanxes in the rima vulvae until the complete expulsion of the calf) was 19.7 +/- 2.1 minutes. It took 17.3 +/- 2.3 minutes for the head to emerge. Further expulsion required 1.9 +/- 1.7 minutes. At an average of 40.1 +/- 1.5 minutes, the expulsion stage was longer in heifers than in cows, in which it lasted 18 +/- 2.1 minutes (p < 0.01). The differences are due to the time that the head took to emerge. While this stage of labor lasted 15.3 +/- 2.3 minutes in cows, this interval was clearly longer in heifers, lasting 38.1 +/- 1.5 minutes (p < 0.01). No statistically significant difference was observed in the course of further expulsion and there were not any differences detected between purebred Simmental and Simmental X Limousin. An average of 67.5 +/- 1.6 abdominal contractions were required for complete expulsion, 56.5 +/- 1.7 contractions of the abdominal muscles were necessary until the head appeared. After 9.3 +/- 1.6 abdominal presses, the calf had completely emerged. There was a statistically significant difference between cows (52.8 +/- 1.7) and heifers (93.3 +/- 1.6) until the expulsion of the head (p < 0.01). No breed-specific differences were observed. Separation of the afterbirth was observed in 95.0% of the animals up to the eighth hour post partum. Retarded separation and retained placenta were recorded in 2.5% of the animals in each case. 82.7% of the animals performed placentophagy. No placentophagy was observed when the placenta was retarded. No differences were detected between heifers and cows and the breeds with regard to the separation of the afterbirth and the incidence of placentophagy.

Age Factors↗

Sirius red is able to selectively stain eosinophil granulocytes in bovine, ovine and equine cervical tissue.

The aim of the present study was to examine the suitability of sirius red staining for selective light microscopic demonstration of eosinophil granulocytes in cervical tissue of mares, cows and sheep. For this purpose, tissue was fixed in 4% neutral buffered formol or in Bouin's solution. Paraffin sections of 5-microm thickness were stained with sirius red. In cows, mares and sheep a selective distinction of eosinophilic infiltration is successful after both fixation methods.

Animals↗

Vaginal and cervical dilatation intrapartum is associated with eosinophilic infiltration in the cow but not in the sheep.

During parturition maximal dilatation of the vagina and cervix is necessary for expulsion of the neonate. The aim of the present study was to characterize the cell infiltration of the vagina and cervix that is associated with this event in cows and sheep. For this purpose, vaginal and cervical tissue were removed from four pluriparous cows and four sheep immediately after delivery of the neonate by biopsy under visual control (group 1), and the eosinophilic granulocytes were stained selectively. Four cows that were in interoestrus were used for control (group 2). In a third group of cows (n=10), blood samples were taken to determine the concentration of eosinophilic granulocytes from the fifth day antepartum up to the sixth day postpartum (group 3). A high degree of infiltration with eosinophilic granulocytes was detected in the bovine vagina and cervix intrapartum but not during interoestrus and in the ovine tissue intrapartum (p <0.001). In the bovine tissue, the cell density was higher in the vagina than in the cervix (p <0.05). The intrapartal tissue infiltration was associated with a short-term blood eosinopenia. In conclusion, this investigation demonstrates eosinophilic infiltration in the bovine vagina and cervix intrapartum, which differs from the situation in sheep. We suggest that this difference can be explained by the fact that cows deliver at high oestrogen and low progesterone values, but sheep show relatively high intrapartal P4 levels, which might suppress tissue infiltration with eosinophilic granulocytes.

Animals↗

Reference values of electrolyte plasma concentrations in healthy piglets during the first 48 hours of life.

The aim of this study was to analyse the plasma concentrations of sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), inorganic phosphate (P) and potassium (K) in mature, healthy suckling pigs during the first 2 days of life in order to obtain more detailed information about this aspect of the neonatal adaptation period. Blood samples were taken from 120 suckling piglets (30 min after birth, and then at 6, 24 and 48 h post-natum). The control group consisted of 60 piglets at the ages of 1 and 2 weeks. All electrolyte concentrations showed a significant age influence (P < 0.001). Thirty minutes post-partum a significant correlation between body temperature (T) and both Mg (P < 0.05; b = -0.13) and Ca (P < 0.05, b = -0.09) could be shown. In the sixth hour of life, there was a significant dependency between Ca (P < 0.05, b = 0.48) and body mass, whereas a relationship to sex could be established for P (P < 0.05). After the twenty-fourth hour of life, there was a significant relationship between body T and both Mg (P < 0.05, b = -2.26) and P (P < 0.05, b = -6.54), as well as between body mass and Ca (P < 0.001, b = 0.89). After the forty-eighth hour of life, statistically significant correlations between body mass and Na (P < 0.05, b = 25.72), P (P < 0.05, b = 4.92), and Ca (P < 0.001, b = 1.61) became apparent. At this point, K showed a significant dependency on T (P < 0.05, b = -0.80). It may thus be hypothesized that in the first phase following birth, disturbances in temperature regulation exert a primary influence on the level of neonatal vitality, whereas body weight becomes a deciding factor at a later point in time.

Animals↗

Follow-up examinations of bitches after conservative treatment of pyometra with the antigestagen aglepristone.

The aim of this study was to determine the therapeutic success of the medical treatment of canine pyometra with the antigestagen aglepristone and to document the recurrence rate in relation to the time interval after treatment with antigestagens. In 48 (92.8%) of the 52 treated bitches, healing could be achieved within the first 3 weeks after the treatment had been started. One bitch died as a result of renal insufficiency; in three bitches there was no emptying of the uterus, so ovariohysterectomy became necessary. In these three patients, ovarian and endometrial cysts were present. Forty-one bitches could be followed up for 3 months. Four animals developed a recurrence (9.8%). In three bitches ovarian cysts and cystic endometrial hyperlasia could be found intra operationem. The development of 37 bitches could be followed for at least 1 year. Seven animals developed a pyometra again (18.9%). Two received a repeated treatment with aglepristone and have been free from recurrence for over 12 months. In 37 animals data on the subsequent sex cycles are available. In 22 bitches next heat started at the expected time, in seven animals heat started too early. In eight bitches the period of anoestrus was prolonged. Five of the six bred bitches delivered at least one litter. The presented data show that treatment of pyometra by aglepristone results in a high healing rate. The recurrence rate can be minimized by the selection of bitches without ovarian cysts and cystic endometrial hyperplasia.

Animals↗

Cervimetry and ultrasonographic observations of the cervix regression in dairy cows during the first 10 days post partum.

The aim of this study was to describe the involution process of the bovine cervix during the first 10 days post partum by using an intracervically introduced gauge and transrectal ultrasonography. Twenty-five pluriparous Holstein Friesian cows were included, which were randomized into three groups: group 1 (n = 10): transrectal ultrasonographic presentation of the formation of cervical folds; group 2 (n = 10): measurement of the reduction of the canalis cervicalis using an intracervically introduced gauge. The examinations were performed directly after expulsion and 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 18 and 24 h post partum, and in intervals of 24 h up to the tenth day. The involution process can be divided into four phases: 1: fast reduction up to the sixth hour; 2: protracted reduction up to the second day without constant formation of folds; 3: protracted reduction up to the seventh day with constant formation of folds; 4: re-opening of the canalis cervicalis maintaining the structure of the folds. The reduction process (phase 1- phase 3) can be shown as the sum of two exponential functions with different grading coefficients: y = reduction 1 x e(-b1 x t) + reduction 2 x e(-b2 x t). Reduction 1 is reduction in cm during the first phase and reduction 2 is reduction in cm during the second and the third phase. Group 3 (n = 5): to exclude an influence of the high frequency of examinations on the involution process the cows were examined immediately after parturition and on the fifth and tenth day postpartum using the same method as in groups 1 and 2. In conclusion, the involution process of the bovine cervix guarantees a fast protection of the cavum uteri and a drainage of the lochia at the end of the early puerperium. The re-opening phase after the seventh day has not yet been described in any other species and can be interpreted as the adaptation to the exsudative puerperium in the cow.

Animals↗

[The regional differences of the pH-value in the vagina, cervix, and uterus of cows during interestrus].

This study aimed to ascertain the pH value of the vagina, cervix, and uterus in cows during interoestrus. Measurements were made with an ambulant, digital pH meter with a flexible probe and a measuring frequency of one value per second. The genital tract (vagina, cervix, uterus) of 50 cows were analyzed with this instrument immediately post mortem. The sexual health of the animals was evaluated via clinical, histological, and microbiological tests. Statistically significant regional differences in the pH value were documented (p < 0.01). Whereas a decrease was measured between the values for the vagina (6.92 +/- 0.51) and the cervix (6.22 +/- 0.31), increased values were measured in the uterus (6.62 +/- 0.32). The physiological pH value in the genital tract of the cow should be taken into consideration for the development of new therapeutic measures in terms of the local application of probiotically active bacterial strains.

Animals↗

[Another indication for (erythro)keratodermia variabilis in livestock in the case of a neonatal lamb].

From skin biopsies of a neonatal lamb a congenital skin disease (erythro)keratodermia variabilis was diagnosed which especially showed besides an erythema formation a hyperkeratosis at some wound areas of the body. Despite of a sudden induced intensive therapy the lamb died. At the dissection of the carcass there were no further postmortem-findings which refer to another organic disease than the one of the skin. This case report is the second description of (erythro)keratodermia variabilis in domestic mammals, which is caused by an autosomal dominant inherited horning defect in humans.

Animals↗

[The incidence of cervical dystocia and disorders of cervical involution in the post partum cow].

The aim of this study was to obtain information on the frequency of cervical dystocia and involution disorders of the canalis cervicalis after difficult dystocia and to characterise factors possibly influencing these pathological conditions. Therefore 317 difficult births in the cow (extraction: 123; foetotomy: 82; caesarean section: 112) and the involution of the cervical canal were documented during the first ten days post partum. In total a cervical dystocia could be diagnosed 53 times (16.7% related to the total number of births). This kind of birth disorder is regularly followed by a caesarean section (p < 0.001). Animals who show a narrowness in the cervix were older than the cows without cervical dystocia (p < 0.05). The same correlation could be detected for the number of births. Animals with delivery problems associated with the cervix had already given birth to more calves than cows who were not affected by cervical disorders (p < 0.01). 58 cows developed a disorder of the cervical involution (18.3% related to the total number of deliveries). This puerperal disorder can be frequently observed after foetotomy (p < 0.001). A correlation between the incidence of disorders of cervical involution and the age or the parity of the animals could not be detected. In the same way, cows with a diagnosis of a cervical dystocia did not develop more frequently disorders of cervical involution than animals who showed a physiological dilation of the cervical canal intra partum.

Age Factors↗

Molecular biological characterization of equine surfactant protein A.

In the following, we describe the isolation and sequencing of the equine surfactant protein A (Sp-A) as found in both the cDNA and the genomic DNA. We found a length of the cDNA sequence of 747 bp (base pairs), in translation into amino acids of 248. Compared with the known molecular biological facts about Sp-A in other species, the cDNA sequence obtained showed highest homology with that of sheep (85.01%). The genomic DNA of equine Sp-A, as in other species, includes three introns. There were no hints for the existence of two different Sp-A genes. These results should form the basis for a better understanding of respiratory failure in foals and adult horses, and also lead to further studies on this item.

Animals↗

Ultrasonographic observations of the uterine regression in the ewe under different obstetrical conditions.

Involution of the ovine uterus after parturition was studied using real-time B-mode ultrasonography. The diameter of the uterus, the uterine lumen and the caruncles were investigated during the first 30 days post-parturition (p.p.) by transrectal and transabdominal application of the ultrasound probe. Ewes that spontaneously delivered showed a physiological regression of the uterus with a transversal diameter of 4.9 (+/- 0.86) cm on day 1 p.p. which decreased to 1.84 (+/- 0.14) cm until day 30. The course of uterine regression was established on these data and was described by the exponential equation: y = E + A * e(-b*t). 'E' means the final value on day 30 p.p. and 'A' the difference between the initial transversal diameter on day 1 p.p. minus the final value on day 30 p.p. The exponents 'b' and 't' indicate the downward gradient of the regression curve and also the factor time in days. Furthermore, we found that the uterine regression in ewes finishes approximately on day 17 p.p. The uterine involution was delayed in ewes after manual obstetrics and caesarean section, in addition the incidence for retention of foetal membranes was increased. The present study demonstrates that the ultrasonographic technique is a suitable method for the control of the uterine involution and for the diagnosis of pathological aberrations in sheep.

Animals↗

[Fetotomy in cattle with special reference to postoperative complications--an evaluation of 131 cases].

In the course of this retrospective study on fetotomy of cattle 131 operations were evaluated. The case studies put the cattle 2 to 96 hours into labour (average 13 hours). The cows that exhibited post-operative complications were on average 19.2 hours into labour prior to the operation. Those which had a normal puerperium however were only 8.4 hours, on average, in labour. 79% of the animals showed depressed general health on admission, 8% of which were unable to stand. The main cause of the dystocia was the incorrect position/orientation of the dead foetus (38.9%) as well as relative or absolutely too large calves (25.2%). In 14.5% of the cases the offspring were malformed causing the dystocia. 28 of the protracted births were due to both maternal as well as foetal causes. Mortality of the cows lay by 6.9%, irregularities in the puerperal period ran at 67.2%. The age of the mother did not seem to influence the post operative events. The most common complication was retained placenta (n = 49; 37.4%) followed by lochiometra (n = 21; 16%), vaginal wounds and pelvic phlegmons (each n = 16; 12.2%) and neurotripsy (n = 6; 12.2%). Of these puerperal complications the pelvic phlegmon required the longest post-operative care (14.3 days, retention secundinarum was cured in 13 days, lochiometra in 8.8, cows without complaint were treated for 3.8 days after the operation). The most important factors for the post-operative prognosis are the time in labour and any trauma of the soft birth canal which influence the forming of pelvic phlegmons.

Animals↗