Acute-phase response in dairy cows with surgically-treated abdominal disorders

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Science
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Dairy cows frequently suffer from gastrointestinal disorders like traumatic reticuloperitonitis and abomasal displacement, often requiring abdominal surgery.
• Accurate diagnostic and prognostic markers are crucial for managing these conditions and improving outcomes in bovine surgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of plasma protein concentrations, specifically fibrinogen and haptoglobin, in dairy cows undergoing abdominal surgery.
• To assess the utility of these biomarkers in differentiating specific gastrointestinal disorders and monitoring postoperative complications.

Main Methods:

• Plasma protein concentrations (fibrinogen, haptoglobin) and haematological variables were measured pre- and postoperatively in 97 dairy cows with gastrointestinal disorders or dystocia.
• Non-parametric receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was employed to determine the accuracy of different parameters in differentiating conditions.

Main Results:

• Plasma protein concentrations were generally not predictive of overall surgical outcome for abdominal disorders.
• Elevated preoperative haptoglobin was observed in 55% of cows, with a further increase post-surgery lasting 2-3 days.
• Plasma haptoglobin concentration demonstrated the highest accuracy in differentiating traumatic reticuloperitonitis from other gastrointestinal disorders, with fibrinogen and globulin also showing value.

Conclusions:

• While not predictive of general outcome, plasma fibrinogen may aid in monitoring postoperative infectious complications like peritonitis.
• Comparing pre- and postoperative haptoglobin values is recommended for effective monitoring of infectious complications.
• Plasma haptoglobin is a valuable biomarker for distinguishing traumatic reticuloperitonitis from other bovine gastrointestinal diseases.