This research communication aims to test the hypothesis that B-Mode, colour Doppler ultrasonographic measurements and characteristics can identify mastitis in dairy cows. A total of 102 lactating cows were divided into 3 groups: cows in which all mammary quarters were CMT-negative, cows with CMT-positive mammary quarters and cows with clinical mastitis in at least one quarter. Colour Doppler ultrasonography measurements of the supramammary lymph nodes revealed that distortion-type vascular morphology, the rate of type 4 vascular densities and the incidence of mixed-type vascular distributions were highest in the clinical mastitis group, whereas the frequency of avascularity in supramammary lymph nodes was highest in the CMT-negative group. All differences were significant. In conclusion, the use of B-mode and colour Doppler ultrasonographic measurements of the supramammary lymph nodes can provide useful information about the current condition of mastitis in cows, although its diagnostic potential remains to be determined.

The aim of this study to determine the Th1/Th2 cytokine balance in milk according to the bacterial species that cause subclinical mastitis in cows. The California Mastitis Test (CMT) was applied to the selected cows. The cows were divided into four groups: cows with negative CMT (n = 45); Escherichia coli (E. coli) group included only cows with E. coli growing in CMT-positive milk samples (n = 45); Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae) group included cows with only S. agalactiae growing in CMT-positive milk samples (n = 45); Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) group included cows with only S. aureus growing in CMT-positive milk samples (n = 45). Somatic cell count (SCC) in fresh milk samples was measured using the DeLaval Cell Counter device. Also, cytokine analyses were performed using Species-specific commercial ELISA kits. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) concentrations were relatively high in the E. coli group, but the interleukin (IL)-2 concentration was low. The lowest concentration of IL-4 was found in the CMT-negative group. The highest IL-5 concentration was found in the S. agalactiae group, while the highest milk IL-10 concentration was found in the S. aureus group. Also, T helper (Th1/Th2) polarization shifted towards Th1 in milk with mastitis caused by E. coli. Th1/Th2 polarization was shifted to Th2 in milk with mastitis caused by S. aureus and S. agalactiae. Based on our findings, cellular immunity should be maintained in mastitis cases due to E. coli, and humoral immunity should be supported in mastitis caused by S. aureus and S. agalactiae.

Background: Here we investigate whether the composition and some chemical properties of milk can correlate with bacterial species causing subclinical mastitis in cows. Methods: One hundred and eighty cows were used in the study. The California Mastitis Test (CMT) was applied to the selected cows. The cows were divided into four groups: cows with negative CMT (n = 45), the Escherichia coli (n = 45), Streptococcus agalactiae (n = 45) and Staphylococcus aureus (n = 45) groups. Result: Milk composition and some chemical properties were measured. The highest fat ratio (5.82±0.34%) was found in the Escherichia coli group (p less than 0.05). The proportions of solid-non-fat (9.67±0.09%), protein (3.51±0.03%), lactose (5.29±05%) and mineral matter (0.75±0.01%) were lowest in the Escherichia coli group (p less than 0.05). The electrical conductivity of milk was lowest in the CMT-negative group (4.23±0.02 mS/cm), while the Streptococcus agalactiae group had the highest value (4.61±0.02 mS/cm) (p less than 0.05). The specific gravity of the Escherichia coli group was lower than the CMT-negative (1,034.91±0.56 kg/m3) and Staphylococcus aureus (1,034.24±0.65 kg/m3) groups (p less than 0.05). Based on our findings, we propose that milk composition and some chemical parameters are altered in subclinical mastitis. However, these could not be standardized according to the responsible bacterial species. We recommend that these parameters are monitored regularly on dairy farms.

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A 20-year-old Arabian mare, was brought to the obstetrics and gynecology clinic with the complaint of an unknown wound in the genital area. Although the mare's general condition was good, examination of the genital area revealed a wide-open wound in the vulva and posterior vagina, characterized by fibrotic growth. The biopsy sample was sent to the pathology laboratory. A diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was made after histopathological examination. Blood samples for serum biochemistry and hematological tests were collected from the jugular vein. Hematological and serum biochemical findings are generally used to diagnose diseases in animals and humans. Hematological and serum biochemical findings are important with genital SCC. Therefore, the findings of these values are given in this case report.

Vaginal hyperplasia is characterized clinically as the protrusion of edematous hyperplastic mucosa tissue through the vulvar lips. Generally, it is formed during the proestrus and estrus periods in dogs. In this case report, 12 months old, pregnant Kangal breed dog with a mass in the vagina was presented with pre and postoperative findings. The bitch without any genital problems at pro/estrus stages was

Background: Mastitis is a mammary gland inflammation that is very common worldwide, mostly caused by bacteria, and causes enormous economic losses. Many microorganisms cause this disease. The most common causes of mastitis by these microorganisms are Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae). The anti-inflammatory properties of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β include: 1) limiting interferon (IFN)-γ production; 2) increasing the expression of the ınterleukine (IL)-1 receptor antagonist; 3) inhibiting macrophage production of chemokines, pro-inflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide, and reactive oxygen intermediates; and 4) increasing macrophage clearance of bacterial debris and damaged parenchymal cells. It is stated that cytokines and milk composition change in case of mastitis. In this study, it was aimed to reveal the changes in milk TGF-β1 and Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α concentrations and milk composition in mixed infections caused by three pathogens causing mastitis.Materials, Methods & Results: In this study, milk samples from 90 cows were divided into 5 groups. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and TGF-β1 concentrations and milk composition were determined in these milk samples. The California Mastitis Test (CMT) was applied to the cows included in the study and scoring was done. According to the CMT results of the milk samples taken, CMT(-) cows were included in group 1 (n = 22). Those with the CMT(+) were taken to the microbiology laboratory for analysis within 2 h. After the bacteria was determined, combination groupings were formed. Group 2 (n = 17) with S. aureus and E. coli, group 3 (n = 21), S. agalactiae with S. aureus, S. agalactiae and E. coli together, group 4 (n = 8) and CMT (+) but no bacterial growth formed group 5 (n = 22).Somatic cell counts were made in the milk samples taken from the cows belonging to the groupings. Somatic cell count was measured with the DeLaval Cell Counter® (Cell Counter DCC) device. Mineral matter, fat, protein, lactose, electrical conductivity and specific gravity were measured in milk samples using Lactoscan Milk Analyzer (Milkotronic/EUROPE). Milk samples were then stored at -80°C to measure TGF-β1 and TNF-α. Tumor necrosis factor-α and TGF-β1 concentrations in milk samples were measured using ELISA kits (Sunred Biological Technology).Discussion: Changes in milk TNF-α and TGF-β1 concentration and milk composition were determined in milk samples with mastitis caused by mixed infection. The TNF-α concentration of group 4 was higher than the other groups. On the other hand, the highest concentration of TGF-β1 was found in group 2. While the number of somatic cells in group 1 was lower than in groups 2, 3, and 4, there was no statistical difference between groups 1 and 5. The lowest milk fat ratio was found in group 1, and it was found to be statistically lower than groups 2, 3, and 4. While the rate of solid-non-fat of group 1 increased compared to groups 2 and 3, the highest protein ratio was found in groups 1 and 5. There was no difference between the 5 groups in terms of mineral matter ratios. While the specific gravity was highest in group 1, there was no statistical difference between the other 4 groups. Overall, it was concluded that there was an increase in TNF-α and TGF-β1 concentrations and a change in milk composition in samples with bacterial growth.Keywords: bovine mastitis, cytokine, milk composition, raw milk, transforming growth factor.

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