Journal of Animal Health and Production

Research Article
J. Anim. Health Prod. 3 (2): 43 -47
http://dx.doi.org/10.14737/journal.jahp/2015/3.2.43.47
View Full HTML
Download PDF

Shaimaa Mohamed Gouda

Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt.

*Correspondence | Shaimaa Mohamed Gouda, Zagazig University, Egypt; Email: shaimaagouda81@gmail.com

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to clarify the importance of the ultrasonography in assessing the severity of respiratory troubles in calves. For this purpose, 30 calves were investigated in this study. By using scoring system for calves’ respiratory disease, these calves were classified into 2 groups. The 1st group included 15 calves with total scoring less than 4 (normal group) while the 2nd group contained 15 calves with total scoring equal or more than 4 (respiratory affected group). Auscultation and ultrasonographic examination of lung field were applied on both groups. Calves in 1st group were healthy and had no abnormalities in lung either by auscultation or by ultrasound. In the 2nd group, abnormal lung sounds were audible in 11 calves while lung lesions were detected by ultrasound in 7 calves. Furthermore, among 7 calves with lung lesions, 5 had focal lung lesions and 2 had diffuse lung lesions. By receiving the treatment for 5 successive days, 13 calves were responding and the 2 calves with diffuse lung lesion were not responding and euthanized. Necropsy findings of the euthanized calves confirmed the ante-mortem ultrasonographic examination. In conclusion, scoring system for calves’ respiratory disease and chest auscultation are useful tool for detecting the respiratory affected calves in the herd but ultrasonography consider useful tool in evaluation the involvement of lung and the degree of affection.

Keywords | Calves, Respiratory, Ultrasonography, Scoring system, Pneumonia