The changes of inflammatory mediators and vasoactive substances in dairy cows' plasma with pasture-associated laminitis.
Authors: Zhang Xianhao, Ding Jiafeng, Li Yuepeng, Song Qiaozhi, Li Shuaichen, Hayat Muhammad Abid, Zhang Jiantao, Wang Hongbin
Journal: BMC veterinary research
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Inflammatory Markers in Pasture-Associated Laminitis Subclinical laminitis represents a substantial welfare and productivity challenge in pasture-based dairy systems, yet its inflammatory mechanisms remain poorly characterised in the literature. Zhang and colleagues investigated the systemic inflammatory and vasoactive profile in dairy cows affected by pasture-associated laminitis by measuring plasma concentrations of inflammatory mediators and vasoactive substances in affected versus control animals. Their findings demonstrated significant elevations in circulating inflammatory markers and vasoactive compounds associated with laminitic episodes, providing objective biochemical evidence of the systemic inflammatory cascade underlying this condition. For practitioners managing pasture-based herds, these results suggest that plasma biomarkers could serve as early diagnostic or monitoring tools, whilst the identified inflammatory pathways may represent targets for prophylactic or therapeutic intervention—particularly important given that subclinical laminitis often progresses undetected until structural damage to the laminae becomes irreversible. Understanding these systemic changes bridges the gap between clinical presentation and underlying pathophysiology, enabling more proactive hoof health management strategies across grazing systems.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Pasture-related hoof problems in dairy cattle involve systemic inflammatory changes that may not show obvious clinical signs on hoof inspection—subclinical laminitis deserves greater attention
- •Plasma biomarkers of inflammation and vascular dysfunction may help identify laminitis cases that lack visible surface lesions
- •Early recognition and management of pasture-associated laminitis is critical for dairy cow welfare and productivity
Key Findings
- •Pasture-associated laminitis in dairy cows involves inflammatory mediators and vasoactive substances in plasma
- •Laminitis affects the dermal papillae and vascular layers of the hoof wall with no visible surface lesions
- •Laminitis is a major factor affecting dairy cow health, welfare, and performance