Two cases of Holstein calves with bovine leukocyte adhesion deficiency (BLAD) (case report)

Two Holstein calves showing clinical signs such as ulcerative stomatitis, severe gingivitis, periodontitis, loss of teeth and stunted growth, associated with marked neutrophilia, were evaluated by clinicopathologic analysis, neutrophil functions and flow cytometric analysis of CD18 expression on neutrophils. Decreased CL response, chemotaxis, yeast phagocytosis, and deficient CD18 expression of neutrophils from affected animals were demonstrated. Pathological findings involved were ulcerative gingivitis, severe periodontitis, laryngitis, and multiple ulcers in forestomach. This study demonstrates that neutrophil functions are closely associated with impaired iC3b receptor, and these affected animals were diagnosed as bovine leukocyte adhesion deficiency (BLAD).