Serum immunoglobulin from Nellore cattle produced by in vitro fertilization and treated for umbilical diseases

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to measure serum immunoglobulin concentrations of Nellore cattle produced by in vitro fertilization (IVF) with umbilical diseases and to evaluate surgical excision as a method of treatment. Sixteen cattle with ages ranging from 1 to 15 months, males and females, affected by umbilical diseases were enrolled in the study. Blood samples were collected for cell counts and the determination of immunoglobulin concentrations by electrophoresis and zinc sulphate turbidimetry (ZST). Four calves were presented with umbilical herniation, two with an umbilical herniation associated with a persistent urachus, two with an umbilical herniation with a persistent urachus and omphaloarteritis, three with an umbilical herniation and an urachal diverticulum, three with a persistent urachus, one with an urachal diverticulum, and one with omphalitis. The blood cell counts pre- and post-surgical revealed differences in cell volume and the number of leukocytes. The immunoglobulin values measured by electrophoresis values were below normal in most animals, whereas the ZST showed normal levels in most of them. Most of the calves affected by umbilical diseases and produced by IVF presented hypoglobulinaemia. Correlations between umbilical diseases, failure of passive transfer of immunity and IVF could not be demonstrated.

Videodiagnosis of External Urinary Meatus Obstruction and Persistent Urachus in Heifer

Background: Persistent urachus conditions in calves are related to umbilical pathologies and might lead to uroperitoneum abnormalities, especially persistent urachus itself and bladder rupture. Videosurgery could be an interesting option for diagnoses of the genitourinary tract, given the relevance of genitourinary affections in calves. The aim of this report is to describe videosurgery resolution and performance in a case of external urinary meatus obstruction and persistent urachus in a heifer.Case: An eight-month-old Girolando heifer was admitted in the UNIFRAN Veterinary Hospital with the suspicion of persistent urachus. The owner reported that the animal was not urinating, and after a few days, it was noticed the presence of urine leaking from the umbilical site. It was also informed that another veterinarian had previously performed pure iodine infusion in probable urachus area for 5 days in a row in an attempt to obliterate the canal. Significant higher levels of urea, creatinine and fibrinogen were noticed in the exams executed, also leukocytosis and signs of pain when performed abdominal palpation. When urethral sounding was implemented, it showed difficulties and resistance in the introduction of the sound. In the vaginourethrocystoscopy, it was noticed a thin membrane in the external urinary meatus causing complete obstruction, which was easily perforated by the cystoscope sheath, allowing the attainment of urethra and part of cranial bladder inspection. In order to evaluate the flow of the urine, it was applied methylene blue by the cystoscope working channel in the interior of the urethra and the bladder, which was collected by sounding the urachus, confirming presence of persistent urachus. When realized a contrasted x-ray of the bladder, it was noticed extravasation of the contrast into the peritoneum, indicating that a surgical approach should be performed; however the owner did not authorize the realization of any surgical intervention. Antibiotic therapy with cefitiofur (1 mg/kg) and anti-inflammatory therapy with flunixim meglumine (1.1 mg/kg) were initiated, however the patient died after 24 h of therapy. Persistent urachus was confirmed at necropsy, showing malodorous brownish secretion in the umbilicus area. Also, it was observed 2 L of turbid purulent liquid in abdominal cavity, which was filled with fibrin; petechiae in the intestinal serosa; focus of necrosis and bladder rupture concluding that the cause of death was given by rupture of the urinary bladder followed by peritonitis.Discussion: The diagnosis through vaginourethrocystoscopy was important to verify the urethral obstruction. However it was not able to visualize the necrosis area in cranial portion of the bladder due to the size of cystoscope, which was too short and rigid. Video diagnosis was an efficient method for urethral abnormalities and, if necessary a complete bladder evaluation, flexible cystoscope should be used. Urethrocystography is a good option for diagnosis of uroabdomen in heifer and should be performed as a supplementary technique of video diagnosis when injury or rupture of cranial bladder is suspected. Caustic products such as iodinated compounds must not be used if urethra is obstructed, because it can cause extensive necrosis in cranial bladder, uroperitoneum and sepsis, which may lead the patient to death.

Ductus urachus persistens laparoszkópos eltávolítása

The urachus in the foetus is a fibromuscular duct, which connects the allantois to the bladder and it is usually occluded in the 4-5th gestation months. Incomplete occlusion of the urachus at the time of birth is considered to be physiological, but later it can lead to recurrent discharge and inflammation of the umbilicus. To establish the diagnosis, ultrasound is the first examination of choice. A 19-year old obese female patient presented with umbilical discharge, and a persistent urachus was detected by ultrasound. After incision of the peritoneum the duct was excised from the umbilicus to the dome of the bladder by 3-port laparoscopy where the duct was clipped. The operation time was 38 minutes. The patient minor analgesia on one single occasion in the postoperative period and was discharged on the first postoperative day. The authors recommend laparoscopic operation for the urachal remnant; the enlarged duct on the ventral abdominal wall can be better detected from the umbilicus to the Retzius spatium with 30-degree camera, and the cosmetic outcome is also more favourable. Orv. Hetil., 2015, 156(38), 1547–1550.

3 Cases of persistent urachus with umbilical abscess in Wistar rats

3 cases of persistent urachus are described in a small colony of Wistar rats: 2 cases were from 1 litter, and all were in females. The condition presented as a swelling in the umbilical region and on microscopic examination showed an abscess with an epithelial-lined peduncle. The condition has not been described previously in the rat.