Polysynovitis after Oligofructose Overload in Cattle

Oligofructose overload has been used to induce lameness in horses and cattle as a model of acute laminitis. Laminitis can be described as a systemic disease with local symptoms and lesions of the claws. This study shows that pain may originate from other anatomical structures as well.
Ten Holstein heifers received oligofructose (17g/kg BW) orally. Four animals were euthanized after 24 hours, six after 72 hours. Six control animals were treated with tap water and euthanized after 72-96 hours. Clinical examination was performed every 6 to 12 hours. Full autopsy was executed. Synovial fluid was collected from both talocrural joints. Total protein concentrations were measured and total white blood cell counts and bacteriological culture performed.
Lameness was observed in four treated animals 24 hours after treatment. After 72 hours all treated animals were lame at the walk. 30 hours after treatment distension of the talocrural joints were observed in all treated animals. Four of six treated animals had an obvious reaction to hoof testing at 72 hours. At autopsy increased amounts of synovial fluid were found in all joints and tendon sheaths. Synovial fluid was yellowish and turbid with visible clots of fibrin. Total protein and white blood cell counts were increased at both 24 and 72 hours ...