Evaluation of serum choline along with, some biochemical and clinical parameters in cattle suffering from with botulism

Abstract

Botulism is a disease of cattle that causes significant impact due to its high mortality rate. The aim of the present study is to evaluate serum choline levels as well as clinical and biochemical parameters of cattle suspected to be suffering from botulism and to compare the results with healthy cattle and also to compare the results of survivors and fatalities. Thirteen botulism suspected and eleven healthy cattle were used. Total protein, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium levels were measured from the sera of botulism and control cattle by colorimetric method using an autoanalyser. Choline levels were analyzed using HPLC. Dysphagia, decreased tongue strength weak anal reflexes, tongue and tail paralysis and locomotion disorders were the main clinical findings observed in suspected botulism cases. Botulinum toxin analysis of ruminal fluid samples were positive in two cattle from one herd. AST, ALT, potassium and choline levels were higher in cattle suffering from suspected botulism cases and choline levels were positively correlated with albumin and total protein levels. Three animals from botulism group survived. Clinical findings were milder, animals were not recumbent and choline levels were lower in survivors. Clinical findings of the three animals that recovered were milder, animals were not recumbent and choline levels were lower in survivors. It was observed that clinical findings such as decreased tongue strength and anal reflexes, dysphagia, tail paralysis, and locomotion disorders are important for diagnosis of botulism In conclusion, cattle with milder clinical signs and lower choline have a higher chance of survival.