Comparison of Uterine Involution and the Resumption of Ovarian Cyclicity between Lame and Sound Holstein Cows.

The aim of the study was to examine the effect of lameness and energy status on the involution of the uterus and the resumption of ovarian cyclicity in dairy cows. Lame (lameness score of four and the presence of hoof lesions, = 22) and sound (normal gait and the absence of hoof lesions, = 25) multiparous cows with healthy puerperium were enrolled simultaneously in the study and were monitored from day 10 antepartum (ap) to day 50 post-partum (pp). Ultrasonography of the cervix, the formerly gravid uterine horn and the ovarian structures was performed on d 8, 11, 14, 23, 30, and 42 pp.

Ovarian and Energy Status in Lame Dairy Cows at Puerperium and Their Responsiveness in Protocols for the Synchronization of Ovulation.

The purpose of this study was to assess the ovarian and energy status of multiparous lame dairy cows at the end of puerperium and investigate their responsiveness to estrous synchronization treatment regimens. Initial lameness scoring was performed at 28 ± 5 and 37 ± 5 d post partum, followed by lesion documentation and treatment. Cows were blocked by lameness severity and were randomly allocated to an estrous synchronization treatment regimen with seven days of progesterone supplementation (group LP, = 26) or with an administration of PGF twice, 14 d apart (group LC, = 26).

Hepatic Coccidiosis in Wild Rabbits in Greece: Parasite Detection on Liver Imprints and the Associated Biochemical Profile.

(1) Background: Rabbit hepatic coccidiosis, caused by , is a devastating disease with high morbidity and mortality rates. The disease is well described in rabbits, but little is known about infection in wild rabbits. In this study, we investigated the presence of infection in wild rabbits from the island of Lemnos, Greece, where this species is overpopulated, and the effects of infection on common hepatic biomarkers.

Natural Co-Exposure to s.l. and : Unraveling the Hematological Profile in Sheep.

The occurrence of co-infected hosts and questing ticks with more than one tick-borne pathogen-as in the case of and sensu lato-is expected in endemic regions. Their synergy-in terms of pathogenesis and disease severity-has been suggested previously in humans. Limited data exist on the clinicopathological alterations in co-infected sheep.

Prediction of ionized calcium concentration based on total calcium and protein levels in cattle and sheep.

Despite being important, there are no equations for prediction of ionized calcium (iCa) in sheep and cattle. The objectives of this study were i) to create equations for the calculation of serum iCa concentration based on the serum concentrations of total calcium (tCa), albumin (Alb) and total proteins (TP) and ii) to investigate whether predicted serum iCa values are beneficial in clinical practice. Serum samples from 30 sheep and 30 dairy cattle were used.

Redox Status of Pregnant Ewes after Vaccination against Clostridial Diseases.

The redox status shortly after the vaccination of pregnant ewes is rather unexploited. Thus, the present study was designed to evaluate the fluctuation of redox status after the administration of the annual booster dose of a polyvalent clostridial vaccine in pregnant ewes, 3 to 4 weeks before lambing, with or without a simultaneous injection of Vit E/Se. In total, 24 pregnant Lacaune ewes 3-4 weeks before lambing were randomly allocated into four equal groups: the V (vaccinated with a polyvalent clostridial vaccine), VE (vaccinated and injected IM with Vit E/Se), E (injected IM with Vit E and Se), and C (neither vaccinated nor injected with Vit E/Se).

Evaluation of Heller's reaction and the urine dipstick method alone or in combination to detect proteinuria in sheep.

Background: Urine dipstick and Heller's reaction are easy first-line screening tests for the detection of proteinuria; however, the performance of these methods in alkaline ovine urine is largely unknown.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of Heller's reaction alone or in combination with dipstick for the detection of proteinuria in sheep, using the urine protein to creatinine ratio (UP/C) with two cut-off values as the reference method.

Methods: Ninety-eight urine samples were collected from sheep using the transient apnea method.

Evaluation of an Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay for the Detection of Antigen in Ovine Buffy Coat Smears.

Diagnosis of anaplasmosis is challenging considering the great variation in clinical signs and the limitations of the available diagnostic assays, while the detection of carrier animals that play a significant role in disease epidemiology as reservoirs is of great significance. In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of a newly developed indirect immunofluorescent assay (Ag-IFAT) for the detection of antigens in buffy coat specimens, alone and in combination with cytology, using PCR as a reference. Blood samples were collected from 138 sheep of the Chios breed from six farms in Greece.

Surgical management of bilateral ear pinna lesions associated with traumatic aural hematoma in a 3-day-old goat kid.

Background: Aural hematomas are not uncommon in ruminants' clinical practice; however, there is a lack of information regarding their management in newborn ruminants, especially for complicated cases with rupture of the hematoma and secondary ear pinna necrosis.

Case Description: A 3-day-old orphan goat kid was admitted due to swelling on the left ear pinna and trauma on the right pina caused by biting by other goats. The swelling on the left ear which was located at the convex surface was soft, painless, and fluid-filled, suggestive of aural hematoma located at the convex surface.

Effect of storage time on the urine protein: creatinine ratio in alkaline ovine urine.

The urine protein:creatinine (UPC) ratio is considered the reference method to assess proteinuria. Its diagnostic value in ovine medicine needs further elucidation. In population monitoring and/or for research purposes, it is convenient to collect many samples simultaneously and store them for later analysis.

Hematological Features in Sheep with IgG and IgM Antibodies against .

Exposure of sheep to () complex, the causative agent of Lyme borreliosis (LB), has been reported in tick-abundant areas worldwide, while no data have been reported in Greece. The aim of the study was to identify the hematological alterations in sheep with seropositivity against (). Blood samples were obtained from 318 tick infested sheep for blood analysis and serological determination of IgG and IgM antibodies against by indirect immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) assay after exclusion of endo-ectoparasites and other tick-borne infections.

Potential Acute Renal Injury in Sheep with Bluetongue Serotype 4.

Bluetongue is a vector-borne disease with epidemic potential. Recently, outbreaks of Bluetongue were reported across Greece, caused by the Bluetongue virus (BTV) serotype 4. Regarding its pathogenesis, BTV infection involves various target organs with limited data referring to the kidneys.

Quantitative and Morphological Blood Cell Findings Associated with the Presence of Antigen and/or Antibodies Against in Sheep.

is the causative agent of a disease known as tick borne fever in sheep, although fever is not always present. Due to inconclusive clinical signs, diagnosis is based on the cytological or molecular detection of the microorganism in blood and/or the determination of antibodies against The aim of the study was to determine the alterations caused by the presence of antibodies and/or the antigen of in the blood cell count and morphology in sheep. Cytology and indirect immunofluorescence assay were performed for detection of antibodies and the antigen of , respectively.

Estimation of white blood cell and platelet counts in ovine blood smears, and a comparison with the ADVIA 120 hematology analyzer.

Background: Manual evaluation of blood cell counts on stained blood films is a common procedure in resource-limited laboratories of farm animal clinics. Moreover, settings for sheep blood cell counts are not provided on most veterinary hematology analyzers.

Objectives: We aimed to (a) compare the results of white blood cell (WBC) counts evaluated microscopically on ovine blood smears with those obtained by the ADVIA 120 hematology analyzer and validate appropriate correction factors for the manual technique; and (b) assess the two suggested factors to calculate platelet counts on blood smears in sheep.

Urine protein-to-creatinine ratio in cattle with subclinical renal disease.

Background: Urinalysis is not routinely used in bovine medicine, and there is no evidence as to whether urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPC) could be used for the diagnosis of renal diseases in cattle.

Objective: The goal of the study was to determine alterations in UPCs observed with different subclinical renal diseases in clinically healthy cattle and to investigate whether UPC can efficiently differentiate cattle with and without subclinical renal pathology.

Methods: Kidney and urine samples from 57 clinically healthy adult dairy (44) and beef (13) cattle were collected after slaughter.

Reference values of Schirmer tear test in sheep and the effect of season on the test results.

The aim of this study was to determine the reference range of Schirmer tear test (STT) values in sheep using Greek indigenous and mixed breeds and to investigate the potential effect of breed and season on these values. Ninety (30 Chios, 30 Florina and 30 Lacaune mixed breed) ewes aged 2 years or more were used for the study. The aqueous portion of the tear film was measured using Schirmer tear test (STT) commercial strips bilaterally by the same investigator with the animal in standing position.

Serum protein electrophoretic profile in diarrheic neonatal calves.

The electrophoretic profile of clinically healthy newborn calves and calves with neonatal diarrhea was compared. Blood samples were collected at 3 and 10 days of age from 11 calves that remained clinically healthy throughout the study period and 14 calves with diarrhea. A significant reduction in the gamma globulins was observed in the diarrheic calves that can be attributed to the transfer of serum immunoglobulins, to the intestinal lumen to counteract the infection.

Comparison between the urine dipstick and the pH-meter to assess urine pH in sheep and dogs.

Background: Urine pH is an integral part of a complete urinalysis, and is commonly measured in veterinary practice using semiquantitative reagent strips.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the urine pH of dogs and sheep, using visual interpretation of dipstick reactions, and using a pH-meter as the reference method. Agreement between the 2 methods was also assessed.

Evaluation of the in-field efficacy of oregano essential oil administration on the control of neonatal diarrhea syndrome in calves.

The objective of this study was to evaluate under field conditions, whether daily administration of oregano essential oil is effective in preventing and/or diminishing the severity of neonatal diarrhea syndrome in calves aged less than 15days. Ninety-one newborn calves from three dairy farms were assigned into two groups; "Eco" group (n=46) calves were drenched with Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare ssp. Hirtum) essential oil (ECODIAR® liquid 5%) at the dose of 12.

Comparison of biuret and refractometry methods for the serum total proteins measurement in ruminants.

Background: Determination of serum total protein concentration is commonly performed by the biuret method. Refractometric measurement is a faster and less expensive alternative but its accuracy has not been determined in ruminants.

Objective: The purpose of the study was to compare the serum total protein concentrations in cattle, sheep, and goats measured by the biuret method with those obtained by refractometry.

Cross-Sectional Serosurvey and Risk Factors Associated with the Presence of Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies in Pigs in Greece.

Introduction: Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide reported zoonotic infection caused by the protozoon Toxoplasma gondii. Pigs may become infected by ingesting feed or water contaminated with cat faeces, by cannibalism, and/or by eating infected rodents. T.

Evaluation of a portable glucose meter for use in cattle and sheep.

Background: In farm animal practice, determination of blood glucose concentration under field conditions is often necessary.

Objective: As there is no portable glucose meter device developed for use in farm animals, the analytical accuracy of a portable glucometer designed for people was evaluated for its use in cattle and sheep.

Methods: Blood samples from 90 cattle and 101 sheep were used in the study.

Liver flukes promote cholelithiasis in sheep.

The main objective of this study was to investigate whether cholelithiasis in sheep is related to parasitism or other commonly observed disorders such as liver abscesses. Additionally, the features of the observed biliary calculi are described. The livers of 254 randomly selected clinically healthy adult dairy sheep were used.