Comparative assessment of reactivity, intoxication, and inflammatory activity of glandular and connective tissue using leukocyte indices

Leukocyte indices are important tools for assessing the inflammatory reaction, immune response, intoxication and allergization of the body. In this work, we assessed the level of reactivity, intoxication and activity of the inflammatory process in the glandular and connective tissue of cattle in a comparative aspect using leukocyte indices. The object of the study were first-calf heifers and lactating cows of the Holstein breed, which were kept in one of the livestock complexes of the Leningrad Region. The animals were divided into 3 groups: 1st - clinically healthy (n = 20); 2nd - with inflammation of the glandular tissue (n = 20) (catarrhal mastitis); 3rd - with inflammation of the connective tissue (n = 20) (arthritis). The animals of the second group had acute inflammation of the mammary gland with the following clinical signs: increased body temperature to 41C◦, depressed state, enlargement of the affected quarter of the mammary gland, soreness in the area of inflammation, enlargement of the supra-udder lymph node, and when milking, a watery serous secretion with casein clots was released from the affected area. In the group with inflammation of the connective tissue, there were signs of acute arthritis: soreness on palpation, fluctuation in the affected area, swelling of the joint, increased local temperature, lameness. The calculation of leukocyte indices was performed using formulas characterizing the ratio of the content of various forms of leukocytes. The results of calculating leukocyte indices showed activation of innate immune mechanisms, as well as severe intoxication in sick animals of the second group, which confirms the presence of an acute phase reaction accompanying inflammation of the glandular tissue. In animals of the third group, inflammation of the connective tissue was accompanied by severe intoxication and increased allergic readiness of the body. It can be noted that the systemic response of the body to inflammation of the glandular tissue is more intense.