Association of lung lesions measured by thoracic ultrasonography at first diagnosis of bronchopneumonia with relapse rate and growth performance in feedlot cattle.

BACKGROUND: Severity of lung lesions quantified by thoracic ultrasonography (TUS) at time of bronchopneumonia (BP) diagnosis predicted death among steers not treated for this condition. Further research is needed to confirm that lung lesions detected by TUS can be associated with negative outcomes in cattle with BP that subsequently were treated.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the effects on relapse rate and average daily gain (ADG) of lung lesions detected by TUS at first BP diagnosis in feedlot cattle.

ANIMALS: Prospective cohort of mixed beef-breed steers (n = 93; 243 ± 36 kg) and heifers (n = 51; 227 ± 42 kg) with BP at 4 feedlots.

METHODS: Thoracic ultrasonography was performed by the same clinician and 16-second TUS videos were evaluated offline for maximal depth and area of lung consolidation, maximum number of comet tails, and maximal depth of pleural fluid. Individual ADG was calculated between 1 and 120 days after arrival. Effects of lesions on relapse rate and ADG were investigated using mixed regression models.

RESULTS: Maximal depth of lung consolidation was associated with a higher risk of relapse (odds ratio [OR], 1.337/cm; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.042-1.714) and lower ADG (- 34 g/cm; -64 to -4). Maximal area of lung consolidation also was associated with a higher relapse risk (OR, 1.052/cm2 ; 1.009-1.097) but not with ADG. Comet tails and pleural fluid were not associated with risk of relapse or ADG.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Quantifying maximal depth and area of lung consolidation by TUS at first BP diagnosis can provide useful prognostic information in feedlot cattle.