Ophthalmic findings in a septic calf with the concurrent exhibition of meningitis and endophthalmitis

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impacts of ophthalmic findings obtained from both macroscopic examination and ocular ultrasonography when diagnosing bovine endophthalmitis. A newborn crossbreed (Japanese black and Holstein breeds) calf was suspected of visual impairment and central nervous system (CNS) symptoms, such as decreased activity and weak drinking performance. This calf was found to display macroscopic signs, such as clouded lens, convergent strabismus, and horizontal nystagmus, in both eyes. On ocular ultrasonography of both eyes, a V-shaped, thickened, hyperechoic structure was present in the anechoic vitreous humors, indicating retinal detachment. The animal died 4 days after the examination. Sepsis was evident in this case, as Escherichia coli was isolated from multiple organs. The autopsy and histological examination revealed meningitis, encephalitis, and secondary hydrocephalus in the CNS, and endophthalmitis and retinal detachment in both eyes. In this case, the ophthalmic findings did not provide definitive evidence for a diagnosis of endophthalmitis. However, this study indicated that retinal detachment might be an ultrasonographic finding that is suggestive of bovine endophthalmitis.

Ultrasonography-based diagnosis of hemorrhage syndrome in adipose tissues in the crest of the neck of heavy horse breeds

“…Histopathological examination remains the gold standard in humans and horses; nonetheless, the diagnostic capability of ultrasound examination is equal to or superior to that of histopathological analysis in that a diagnosis can be made promptly on the spot without waiting for the pathology results. [ 13 , 23 ]. In Thoroughbred racehorses with osteochondrosis, the sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography were reportedly 0.92 and 0.97, respectively [ 14 ].…”

Lateral abdominal hernia associated with thin abdominal musculature in a calf

“…The feces were normal and discharged daily, without diarrhea. Hematologic examination revealed slight anemia based on decreased levels of hematocrit (28.9%, reference normal value: 34.3 ± 6.3%) and hemoglobin (9.0 g/dl, reference normal value: 10.6 ± 1.5 g/dl) [ 9 , 14 ]. No leukocytosis was evident (white blood cell count: 9,200/μl, reference normal value: 10,081.3 ± 4,136.6/μl) [ 9 , 14 ].…”

“…Hematologic examination revealed slight anemia based on decreased levels of hematocrit (28.9%, reference normal value: 34.3 ± 6.3%) and hemoglobin (9.0 g/dl, reference normal value: 10.6 ± 1.5 g/dl) [ 9 , 14 ]. No leukocytosis was evident (white blood cell count: 9,200/μl, reference normal value: 10,081.3 ± 4,136.6/μl) [ 9 , 14 ]. Values in the calf’s biochemistry were normal, i.e., its levels of urea nitrogen (12.3 mg/dl, reference normal value: 12.0 ± 5.9 mg/dl) or creatinine (0.5 mg/dl, reference normal value: 0.90 ± 0.19 mg/dl) [ 9 , 14 ].…”

“…No leukocytosis was evident (white blood cell count: 9,200/μl, reference normal value: 10,081.3 ± 4,136.6/μl) [ 9 , 14 ]. Values in the calf’s biochemistry were normal, i.e., its levels of urea nitrogen (12.3 mg/dl, reference normal value: 12.0 ± 5.9 mg/dl) or creatinine (0.5 mg/dl, reference normal value: 0.90 ± 0.19 mg/dl) [ 9 , 14 ]. At 39 days postpartum, the swelling in the extended right flank was seen to be more rounded in the ventral surface compared with the dorsal surface ( Fig.…”

“…Ultrasonography is a convenient imaging modality used routinely without sedation for the observation of various organs in bovine practice [ 9 , 14 ]. Abdominal musculatures have also been examined ultrasonographically as this allows clear visualization of the specific findings; musculature can normally be identified by the individual layers of the hypoechoic muscular structures, comprising of the internal and external abdominal oblique and transverse muscles, due to the clear border of the hyperechoic fascia [ 2 , 3 ].…”