Intestinal Atresia

Impact of bacterial translocation in calves with atresia coli

“…In calves with atresia coli, hematological values remain within the normal range during the first 48 hours following birth, and these levels change over time. In addition, bacterial overgrowth in the intestines occurs unidirectionally . In the present study, 65% of calves ( n = 17) experienced BT.…”

“…In calves with intestinal atresia (particularly over time), leukocytosis may develop owing to factors such as bacterial overgrowth, endotoxemia, peritonitis, and intestinal necrosis . In this study, WBC counts were higher than reference intervals in most calves with BT ( n = 11/17) and some calves without BT ( n = 4/9).…”

“…However, colostrum feeding early in life does not always assure the transfer of immunity, since approximately 10–30% of all newborn calves do not attain adequate levels of serum globulin, probably due to malabsorption and colostral contamination with microorganisms, which may suppress passive immune transfer . However, if adequate ingestion of colostrum occurs at birth, immunoglobulin transfer usually proceeds normally . In this study, owners were instructed to ensure adequate colostral feeding of the calves from their mothers, but there was no information regarding the colostral quality of each dam.…”

“…This suggests that, although animals may undergo surgical intervention, their likelihood of survival may be reduced if the initiation of treatment is delayed. We believe that in these 4 calves with BT, because of delayed intervention, bacteria on the intestinal wall translocated to the peritoneal cavity and lymphatic or vascular system, causing sepsis and peritonitis and eventually leading to death.…”

“…Adequate first colostrum is vital for passive protection in calves against microorganisms . However, colostrum feeding early in life does not always assure the transfer of immunity, since approximately 10–30% of all newborn calves do not attain adequate levels of serum globulin, probably due to malabsorption and colostral contamination with microorganisms, which may suppress passive immune transfer . However, if adequate ingestion of colostrum occurs at birth, immunoglobulin transfer usually proceeds normally .…”