Lung Ultrasonography and Clinical Follow-Up Evaluations in Fattening Bulls Affected by Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) during the Restocking Period and after Tulathromycin and Ketoprofen Treatment

Abstract

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a global infectious disease, causing decreased well-being and economic losses in livestock, frequently during the restocking period. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of thoracic ultrasonography (TUS) to assess BRD in restocked animals, and the effectiveness of tulathromycin and ketoprofen treatment in sick animals. A total of 60 Limousin fattening bulls were enrolled. On the day of restocking (T0), the animals were divided into two groups based on TUS assessment of six lung areas: group C (ultrasonography score (US score) < 3) and group D (US score ≥ 3). Group D received a single administration of tulathromycin and ketoprofen at T0: this group was revaluated after 1.5, 3, 7, and 14 days. Both groups were revaluated after 21 days. The two groups showed a significant difference both in US score and clinical symptoms (respiratory score, nasal and ocular discharges, and rectal temperature) at T0. In group D, the treatment was effective in improving the clinical symptoms and US score, particularly reducing the severity of lung lesions. TUS represents a non-invasive and cost-effective tool for BRD early diagnosis and for monitoring treatment efficacy in restocked livestock.

Evaluation of a Respiration Rate Sensor for Recording Tidal Volume in Calves under Field Conditions

“…Furthermore, simultaneous recording of RR and Vt would be possible in a larger number of animals due to less personnel and resource requirements. This non-invasive approach of data recording is also an advantage over other methods of lung examination, such as ultrasound [ 13 , 14 , 15 ] and blood sampling [ 11 , 12 ], where a fixation of the calf is mandatory. The IOS was used as the gold standard because (i) it had previously been thoroughly evaluated for pulmonary function testing in calves, and (ii) it is suitable for the assessment of spirometric parameters of spontaneous breathing.…”

“…Therefore, a lot of research has been published on the study of pulmonary diseases in calves and to diagnose them early [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. Besides the analysis of biomarkers in the blood [ 11 , 12 ], also ultrasonic methods [ 13 , 14 , 15 ] and different sensors [ 16 , 17 ] have been tested as diagnostic methods.…”

Literature Review of the Principal Diagnostic Tests to Detect Bovine Respiratory Disease in Pre-Weaned Dairy and Veal Calves

“…However, this score has never been developed and validated. Recently, there is an increasing interest in using this scoring system by an infected area (caudal (10th-7th ICS), middle (6th-5th ICS), and cranial (4th-3rd ICS) of both lung sides) [70].…”

Strategies for Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) Diagnosis and Prognosis: A Comprehensive Overview

“…However, the prevalent use of antibiotics has given rise to resistant bacteria, highlighting the necessity for prudent use of these drugs alongside all-encompassing management approaches [8,10]. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are also used to alleviate signs of BRD, with some studies indicating they diminish inflammation and fever [50,51]. Nonetheless, their impact on mortality rates is not well-established [51].…”