Effect of denaverine hydrochloride application to heifers on the APGAR score and lactate concentration in newborn calves^[*]

Summary

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of Denaverine hydrochloride (DNH) in heifers on calf vitality. Material and methods: A total of 83 calvings with 38 female and 45 male calves were included in the study. Thirty minutes after onset of stage 2 of calving, 400 mg DNH or placebo (0.9% NaCl) were administered subcutaneously. If the calving procedure was not completed after 60 minutes, an extraction was conducted and pulling force was measured by using a digital force gauge. Directly after parturition, vitality of calves was evaluated using a modified APGAR score. Additionally, lactate concentration in blood from Vena auricularis was measured with a handheld measuring device (lactate scout). Results: No effect of treatment was observed on APGAR score and lactate concentration. Clinical relevance: Denaverine hydrochloride is a regularly used substance in obstetrics in veterinary medicine in many European countries. We could not confirm our hypotheses that treating heifers with DNH has a positive effect on calf vitality evaluated by APGAR score and lactate concentration in blood.

Zusammenfassung

Ziel: der Studie war, den Effekt einer Behandlung von Färsen mit Denaverinhydrochlorid auf die Vitalität der geborenen Kälber zu testen. Material und Methoden: Die Auswertung umfasste 83 Färsengeburten, bei denen 38 weibliche und 45 männliche Kälber geboren wurden. Eine halbe Stunde nach Beginn der Aufweitungsphase wurden dem Muttertier randomisiert 400 mg Denaverinhydrochlorid oder ein Plazebo subkutan appliziert. War das Kalb nach 60 Minuten nicht geboren, erfolgte eine Zughilfe mit Messung der benötigten Zugkraft. Unmittelbar nach der Geburt wurde die Vitalität des Kalbes mit einem modifizierten APGAR-Score bewertet und in einer Blutprobe aus der Vena auricularis mit einem Handmessgerät die Laktatkonzentration bestimmt. Ergebnisse Es wurde kein Effekt der Behand-lung auf APGAR-Score und Laktatkonzentration der Kälber im Blut festgestellt. Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz: Denaverinhydrochlorid ist eine in vielen Ländern der EU in der Geburtshilfe regelmäßig eingesetzte Substanz. Wir konnten die Hypothese, dass die Behandlung von Färsen mit DNH einen positiven Effekt auf die Vitalität der Kälber hat, gemessen am APGAR-Score und der Laktatkonzentration im Blut, nicht beweisen.

Keywords

Cattle - calving - lactate - vitality

Schlüsselwörter

Rind - Geburt - Laktat - Vitalität

^* Dedicated to Professor Dr. Dr. h. c. mult. Hartwig Bostedt on the occasion of his 80th birthday.

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