Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

Research Activities at the Faculty

Since 1923 the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine has been part of the University of Leipzig. This has contributed significantly to the development of this subject with regard to both, veterinary education as well as scientific research. Being part of the university also determines the standard, the direction and the goals in these areas. It has to be kept in mind, however, that veterinary medicine continues to be highly profession-orientated. Therefore, changes and new trends in all fields will have impact on veterinary education as well as research. Furthermore, with regard to the results obtained in research, the benefits for practical application as well as for education always have to be taken into consideration.

The focus of research at the faculty is on the following areas:

a) Consumer health protection
b) Preventive veterinary medicine
c) Clinical veterinary medicine

Research in these areas is of main interest for individual institutes and clinics; generally, however, research is executed in a close cooperation with other institutions of the faculty.

Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology

Basic sciences are in the focus of research at several institutes, with the cooperation mentioned above playing a major role. At the Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology growth of domestic animals is investigated in the working group "Anatomy". Growth processes of dogs and cats and the relations between growth, performance, and health are described. Therapy of experimentally induced stroke in sheep and anatomical background of Acupuncture are important clinical research projects. The aim of the stroke project is the development of a large animal model for focal cerebral ischemia for the evaluation of therapeutic effects of stem cells. A preliminary study on rats with human umbilical stem cells could demonstrate a significant positive effect on the clinical signs and anastasis after experimentally induced stroke presumably by limiting the area of ischemic penumbra. In this study, this new therapy concept shall be verified in sheep. By use of autologous umbilical and bone marrow stem cells possible effects resulting from the use of heterologous cells in rats can be eliminated.

The working group Histology/Embryology investigates Borna disease virus infection (BDV). This project has a close relationship to infection diseases to study inflammatory induced modulation in the central nervous system of mice. Interdisciplinary studies focus on the evaluation of monoclonal antibodies against the C-terminal epitope of the prion protein. Histology analysed drug targeting with nano beads against experimentally induced b-amyloid plaques and pathological phosphorylized tau protein in the brain of transgene mice with human b-amyloid precursor protein. Immuncytochemical studies of the brain in rat and sheep were done for the evaluation of therapeutic effects of stem cells in these animal models.

Parts of these studies are supported by companies, the DFG, and the Free State of Saxony.

Institute of Physiology

At the Institute of Physiology a main topic of research activities is absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Beside evaluation of epithelial transport proteins, interactions of detrimental (histamine) and positive agents (quercetin) are investigated. The mechanisms are studied by various functional, immunohistochemical and molecular biological techniques. Furthermore, adaptive and regulatory changes are elucidated. Within this goal, a special focus is on the enteric nervous system (ENS) and its modulatory influence on epithelial and muscular functions.

The studies are/were continuously supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG), by sponsors (AfT, Schaumann etc.) and by industrial grants (Boehringer, Pfizer).
We are cooperating with groups in Denmark (Research Centre Foulum, Tjele), Hungary (University of Veterinary Sciences, Budapest), France (INSERM, Nantes), USA (Michigan State University, Anthony Hall, East Lansing) and United Kingdom (Sandwich Laboratories Pfizer Limited, Animal Health Group VMRD Biology).

Institute of Physiological Chemistry

At the Institute of Physiological Chemistry (working area ´Physiological chemistry` Prof. Dr. H. Fuhrmann), the main subject is the role of fatty acids and antioxidants for the prophylaxis and therapy of diseases of domestic animals. Investigations on the influence of the lipid composition on the oxidative metabolism of macrophages are the focal point. An other subject is the pathobiochemistry of canine atopic dermatitis. The focus is the influence of fatty acids and vitamin E on the development and release of inflammatory mediators of mast cells. Furthermore the influence of mast cell membrane composition changed by dietary lipids and vitamin E on the release and development of inflammatory effective mediators is examined.

Investigations on the ozone treatment of hatching eggs to diminish salmonella burden have reference to infection medicine and to consumer health protection.
In the working area ´Endocrinology` (Prof. Dr. A. Einspanier) investigations on physiology and pathology of the endocrine system are carried out. Mechanisms and intracellular signalling pathway are examined comparatively, important for invasion and proliferation during implantation and for tumorigenesis. Moreover clinical marker are acquired for the tumor prognosis in cooperation with the Clinic for Small Animals. Clinical relevance have investigations on endometriosis, the hormonal regulation of the extracellular matrix as well as the hyperadrenocorticism and metabolic diseases of the lactating cow.

Comparative studies on diagnosis, pathogenesis, etiology and prognosis of reproductive disorders in the female and male (especially in the horse), are actual topics of research at the Institute of Veterinary Pathology. These projects are interdisciplinary and international cooperations with clinical and paraclinical partners. Emphasis of investigation lays on the pathology of placenta (mare, cow, bitch) as well as degenerative uterine diseases (endometrosis, angiopathies), endocrine disorders (endometrial maldifferentiation) and neoplasia (ovarian tumors) are investigated. Convential histological methods, immunohistochemistry and electronmicroscopy and in vitro techniques (cell cultures) are diagnostic tools, used in these studies.

Furthermore, morphological-functional investigations are focussed on the interactions of endocrine active neoplastic and not-neoplastic diseases of the thyreoidea, pituitary gland, adrenal glands, testes and ovaries concerning the hormonal axis and their target organs.
Another main point of research is spontaneous cardiovascular diseases in dogs and cats, correlated with clinical findings. Especially the composition and metabolism of extracellular matrix components is investigated, with a special view on endocardiosis in dogs. Additionally, an interdisciplinary cooperation with the Heart Centre Leipzig intends to establish and to evaluate animal models for diagnosis and therapy of cardiovascular diseases in humans. Herein studies in transplantation medicine and stem cell research are the centre of attention.

Institute of Animal Nutrition, Nutrition Diseases and Dietetics

Research activities at the Institute of Animal Nutrition, Nutrition Diseases and Dietetics are actually focussed on the interaction between nutrition and health. Farm animals including horses as well as carnivores are considered in different projects. Intensive studies on the impact of feed and feeding on the chewing activities horses were initiated in 2006. The results will be of importance in the transfer of recommendations for nutrition and husbandry into the practice of horse production. A further project deals with the glucose and insulin reaction in horses under different feeding regimes. That is relevant with regard to energy metabolism but the main aspect is the impact of insulin on bone metabolism and the glucose uptake of sensible tissues like the corium layer in the hoof. Additionally, the increasing incidence of insulin resistance in horses gives reason to investigate the regulation of glucose metabolism and homeostasis. A study on the effects of supplemented trace elements on insulin sensitivity in obese horses substantiates this aspect. Objectives of experiments with horses in digestion trials and of studies with in vitro systems using equine faeces as inoculum is to elucidate the effects of feed additives on the digestibility of rations high in starch and on the compatibility of those diets in horses. The outcomes of these studies can help to optimize the feeding strategy in high yielding sport horses. The metabolic and mechanical stress of the skeleton in sport horses is the main aspect in a DFG-project which is focussed on calcium intake and calcium homeostasis and their interaction with internal as well as external Parathormon. These experiments can help to develop a precise recommendation in handling still young but already trained horses in order to prevent orthopaedic diseases. Protozoa inhabit the hindgut of the horse; these organisms are neglected despite their role in digestion, in the elimination of hazard substances or the formation of intestinal dysfunction. First trials are running to describe and differentiate equine protozoa by molecular methods. The silage quality and their role for performance and health of dairy cows is subject of a project which is running in cooperation with the veterinary practice and the Saxon State Institute for Agriculture. The major aspects are the protein quality of silages and the impact of hygiene quality on digestion and digestibility which is analyzed via in vitro systems. A study in pigs deals with the interaction between the acid base balance – modified by cation/anion-balance in feed – and the nitrogen utilisation and nitrogen balance.

Research in the field of infectious diseases is in close relation to the area of preventive veterinary medicine. In 2004, the Institute of Bacteriology and Mycology, the Institute for Virology, the Institute for Parasitology, and the Institute of Immunology decided to form a Joint Venture Infectious Diseases.

Institute for Bacteriology and Mycology

At the Institute for Bacteriology and Mycology the main research areas are the analyses of the gastro-intestinal flora by means of conventional and molecular-biological methods, their interaction with the immune system and metabolism in farm and domestic animals as well as fish. The gastrointestinal tract is the largest contact area of the body to the outside. It is limited by microbial, cellular, immunological and nervous barriers. Its stability is a precondition for health and performance. The characterization and influence of the microbial and immunological barriers in health and disease are the main field of research. The Clostridium botulinum dependent acute and chronic intoxications in high-yielding cattle are the main focus of investigations. Based on bacteriological and immunological investigations as to the occurrence of Clostridium botulinum and its toxins in the animal body information should be gathered on the interaction of the commensal flora, the unspecific and specific immune system in case of sickness. In order to characterize the microbiota conventional and molecular-biological methods (FISH) have been applied. The quantification of C. botulinum agents has been realised by toxin enrichments and the following detection of toxins by specific antitoxic antibodies. To detect the immunological reaction of the animals to the gastrointestinal flora unspecific (CRP, haptoglobin, lactoferin) and specific parameters (anti-LPS-, anti-PLC-, anti-C. botulinum-supernatant antibodies) have been investigated. The C. botulinum isolates are characterized by conventional methods (biochemistry, gaschromatography) and MALDI-TOF. With the investigation of substrates from animals and their environment (liquid manure, dung, soil, biowaste) from different farms and the surroundings we try to gather information about the cycle of toxin producing C. botulinum as well as well its quantity in the surroundings and to find potential sources of these agents. The project is financed by the Sächsische Landesanstalt für Landwirtschaft.

Institute for Virology

The focus of research at the Institute for Virology is on basic science, applied science and diagnostics in the field of animal viruses and viral infections of animals. By the application of modern techniques of molecular biology, aspects of the pathogenesis of virus diseases are investigated, using DNA as well as RNA viruses as models, among others, polyomavirus, circovirus, infectious bursal disease virus, and Borna disease virus. On the one side, these viruses exhibit uncommon morphological and biological characteristics; on the other side, they are the causative agents of economic loss, mainly to the poultry industry, or they may not only cause disease in animals, but also in humans. The aims of these investigations are to elucidate the molecular basis for the uncommon host and cell tropism of these viruses at the level of adsorption to and entry into susceptible cells as well as virus replication, and to identify virulence markers. In order to fight against economically important virus infections, virus vaccines and diagnostic tools are developed by the application of the techniques of molecular biology. The efficiencies of conventional diagnostic protocols are compared to those applying the techniques of molecular biology, particularly with regard to sensitivity and specificity. It is the intention to make suitable protocols and reagents commercially available. Research is funded by grants from the DFG, various state or country ministries, the European Commission, and industrial partners. International cooperation has been established within the framework of several EU projects. The Institute is part of the Joint Venture Infectious Diseases at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Research groups of the Institute are members of the Centre for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BBZ) at Leipzig University.

Institute for Parasitology

At the Institute for Parasitology research projects on protozoa, helminths and arthropods are currently performed. Traditional and modern methods such as cell biology, computer-assisted image analysis, as well as molecular techniques are applied and developed further, or will be newly established. Cooperative projects with public service institutions or companies aim at the analysis of current epidemiological aspects and the development of strategic control measures including the inactivation of infectious parasite stages in the environment and biological control. The main emphasis is placed on protozoa belonging to the coccidia (genera eimeria, isospora, cryptosporidium, sarcocystis). Strains of Eimeria spp. and Cryptosporidium are isolated from field samples, passaged and characterized. Single oocyst isolates will be produced for various species of chicken coccidia and established. Permanent cell lines will be evaluated for suitability for in vitro infection models. Alternatively, chicken embryo models or primary cell lines are considered, if necessary. In these models the rate and course of infection will be evaluated by image analysis, FACS and quantitative PCR. This will help to investigate tenacity of infectious oocysts under varying conditions and to study differences in virulence of strains and species by recording development and cytotoxicity, the mechanisms involved in pathogenesis and survival of the parasite (mediators, host cell function, apoptosis etc,) and to examine possibilities for inactivation under strictly defined conditions. Studies into the epidemiology and control under field conditions and in experimental infection models will be continued. Within the area of entomology the seroprevalence of scabies in pigs, biological control and differentiation of ectoparasites of birds are in focus.
Cryptosporidium is already established in HCT-8 cells. Equipment for image analysis and quantitative PCR is available and FACS can be applied through cooperation. Three research fellowships (DAAD, national funds of the country of origin) will be or are already integrated into the research group. A cooperation contract has been closed with a biotechnology company related to cell culture based infection models. Funds for additional laboratory equipment and consumables are available in sufficient amount. The group has considerable experience in the field of epidemiology and control of Apicomplexa.

Institute of Immunology

The major research interest at the Institute of Immunology is in the area of immunity against bacterial and fungal pathogens. In mouse models of the infection with Salmonella Enteritidis and Cryptococcus neoformans the function of novel members of the interleukin-12 family is studied. This project is funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) and done in collaboration with institutes and clinics of the Medical and Veterinary Faculty of the University of Leipzig, Westfälische Wilhelms-University Münster, University of Cologne, University of Cape Town (South Africa) and Schering Plough Biopharma, USA. In another project funded by the DFG the role of interleukin-4 and of interleukin-13 in immunity to Cryptococcus neoformans using complete and macrophage-specific gene-deficient mice is studied. Moreover, in collaboration with an international company effects of an immunomodulatory compound on phagocytosis and oxidative burst by leukocytes from horses, dogs and cats are investigated.

The Junior Research Group “Molecular medicine of infectious diseases”, focuses currently on the characterization of novel Borrelia species, especially B. persica (in cooperation with the Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel). Supported by the companies IDEXX Inc. and Merial GmbH, the group additionally determines the prevalence of specific antibodies against the tick-transmitted bacteria Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Borrelia burgdorferi in dogs throughout Germany. Further medically relevant infectious disease projects are dealt with in collaboration with the Institute for Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health (Pathogenic plants: characterization of virulence markers in Prototheca originating from human and animal samples) and together with the Institute of Food Hygiene and Institute for Parasitology (Toxoplasmosis in humans and animals in Germany: pathogenesis, risk factors, and control – TOXONET 01).

The BBZ-group “Molecular Pathogenesis” is engaged in the establishment and characterization of transgenic mouse models to study the effects of Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-beta) and Granulocyte/Macrophage-Colony Stimulating Factor (GMCSF) in infections with Cryptococcus neoformans and Borrelia burgdorferi. In a DFG funded project target genes for TGF-beta and GM-CSF are being identified during cutaneous wound healing in order to develop diagnostic or therapeutic tools. In addition, phosphorylated protein targets of TGF-beta are being identified in an arthritis model in a project funded by the EU and the state of Saxony.

Institute for Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health

Research at the Institute for Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health and at the Institute for Food Hygiene is in the field of Veterinary Public Health. Current research at the Institute for Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health covers the three main topics animal welfare/ethology, microbiology/virology, and analytical chemistry. These projects focus on investigations of the current epidemiological situations of various infectious diseases, on the development and implementation of immunological and hygienic measures against such infections, on the development of new analytical procedures, and on the assessment of new housing systems. These projects are founded mainly by public authorities and by partners from private enterprises.

Main projects are the comparative investigation of different field strains and vaccine strains of feline Calicivirus, the serodiagnostics of porcine Salmonella-infection, analysis of different vaccination strategies against Salmonellae, and the assessment of new housing systems for laying hens. A joint research project with the Institute of Food Hygiene focuses on the development of a new GC-MS technique for the analysis of specified risk material (TSE) in meat and meat products (funded by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Consumer Protection). The immunological, etiological and taxonomical investigation of the bovine Prototheca-mastitis (funded by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft) are further main research projects of our institute. Furthermore, there are projects that investigate the current epidemiological situations of infections with the canine herpes-virus and the minute virus of canines.

Institute of Food Hygiene

At the Institute of Food Hygiene (Professorship of Food Hygiene and Consumer Protection) the main research areas are studies on the possibilities to reduce the occurrence of different zoonotic bacteria and parasites, on the prevalence and on survival strategies of these pathogens. The work is focused on Salmonella (supported by the BMWA) Campylobacter jejuni and Toxoplasma gondii. In the field of Milk Hygiene (Assistant Professor of Milk Hygiene) the microbiological quality of organic milk and milk products (supported by the Hanns-Seidel-Stiftung) and the influence of high pressure treatment on microbial enzymes, will be examined. The Professorship of Meat Hygiene deals with different detection methods of specified risk materials in meat products and in animal feeds with regard to the transmissible spongioform encephalopathies (supported by the Bundesministerium für Ernährung, Landwirtschaft und Verbraucherschutz).
Research in the field of Clinical Veterinary Medicine is performed at various clinics and institutes of the faculty, frequently in close cooperation with other institutions, at both, a national and an international level.

Institute of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Toxicology

At the Institute of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Toxicology the pathophysiological importance of adrenergic and muscarinic receptors in the equine chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is investigated in collaboration with Herzzentrum Leipzig, and the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Halle-Wittenberg. It is supposed that dysregulation of the neurohumoral receptor control (with adrenergic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors) might play a role in the pathogenesis of this disease. The study should provide important information as to the pathogenesis of the disease and thus the rationale for therapeutic strategies for equine COPD. Other research objectives focus on the establishment of more effective strategies for tumour therapy and the development of in vitro cell culture systems with liver-specific features for the replacement of experiments with animals. In this context different carrier systems from liver and kidneys were characterized which are able to mediate the transport of drugs; their regulation by xenobiotics is investigated in order to identify drug interactions (supported by DFG). By fusion of primary rat hepatocytes with rat liver tumour cells and viral immortalization of human hepatocytes, cell lines were established with liver-specific functions. These cell lines should replace in vivo models (grant by Bundesinstitut für Risikoforschung).

Clinic of Small Animal Medicine

The Clinic of Small Animal Medicine represents the classical clinical branches of internal medicine, surgery and reproduction focused on small animals. Scientific projects in all these three fields are currently in progress.

Surgical research is focussed on the biomechanic principles of large joints. In co-operation with centers at the Universities of Zurich and Munich, the Academic Medical Center Amsterdam, and the Center of Orthopaedic and Biomechanics Research, Boise State University (USA) correlations of subchondral bone density and cartilage thickness, the 3D localisation of endoprothedic implants, and the 3D cinematography of the stifle and elbow joint in dogs during motion pre and post surgery are investigated. Further the question will be answered whether or not the osteochondral transplantation (mosaicplasty) can be used to restore acute or chronic cartilage damage in dogs.

Parallel to this a complex field is the brachycephalic syndrome in dogs and cats: Due to an increasing popularity of affected breeds veterinarians are faced with animal welfare aspect of the condition. The etiology of the brachycephalic syndrome is unknown. In co-operation with the Universities of Berlin and Zurich basic aspects of the morphology, treatment approaches (microlaryngoscopic videoscopy-supported endonasal lasersurgery) and the evaluation of morhologic and functional diagnostic screening procedures are investigated.

Anaesthesiology: The anaesthetic risk in dogs and cats is with 1 case of death among 1,000 narcoses much higher in comparison to human medicine (1:100,000). The aim of research is to define the reasons for this and to develop concepts for the reduction. The value of pre-anaesthetic screening test is one of the major points of interest.
The interest in diagnostic imaging is focussed on the evaluation of modern computer-aided systems of image recording and analysis (in digital radiography, MRI, CT, and digital ultrasonography) for selected veterinary targets and the establishment of contrast-protocols for radiography, ultrasonography, and CT. Demanded from surgical and neurosurgical diseases effort is made to develop methods of three-dimensional image- and navigation-systems for small animals.

The image modalities of the department are used for research activities by a number of other institutions of the faculty (large animal department, clinic for birds and reptiles).
In oncology the close partnership with a number of institutions of the Medical School of the University of Leipzig and specialised private veterinary clinics made it possible to run projects dealing with the high-dose-rate brachytherapy and post surgery palliative radiation therapy.

New methods of diagnostics and therapy of mammary tumours are traced: tumour-related mechanism of pathogenicity and the assessment of ultrasonographic prognostic criteria is a specific field of interest.

Research in neurology is concentrated on intracranial lesions. Interactions with research projects in diagnostic imaging, oncology, and surgery exist.
In ophthalmology activities are concentrated on basic research in diagnostic and treatment of various disorders in zoo animals and hereditary aspects of selected disease. Collaborations exist with a number of zoos, the Institut für Tierzucht und Vererbungsforschung of the TiHo Hannover, and the Koret School of Veterinary Medicine of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Breeding programs of the zoos play an increasing role to protect endangered species. Further a rapid screening test for analyses of substances in the lacrimal fluid of dogs will be developed.

Clinic for Birds and Reptiles

Main research focus of the Clinic for Birds and Reptiles, which gained clinic status in 2006, is the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic regiments as well as the aetiology, prophylaxis and therapy of management related diseases in poultry, pet birds and reptiles. In cooperation with various institutes of the veterinary faculty and other scientists from Germany and abroad the usability of modern imaging techniques like ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography in pet and wild birds as well as reptiles is examined. The aim is to establish appropriate investigation protocols and reference parameters in healthy animals and to gain experiences about the use in diseased animals. Since 1998 a project is engaged in the examination of cardiac diseases in birds, focused on the therapy of cardiac diseases. Furthermore another research project funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft deals with artifical insemination in psittacines. Investigations on the aetiology and prevention of so called Young Pigeon Disease in racing pigeons are undergoing in cooperation with the German Brieftaubenverband. Further research points of the clinic are investigations of the bioavailability and compatibility of different anti-infective drugs in pigeons, laying hens and turkeys in cooperation with the Institute of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Toxicology and KoVet. Concerning poultry, several funded epizootiological studies are ongoing, e.g. together with the university of Vienna the investigation of the frequency of the occurrence of mycoplasms and, in close cooperation with the Institute for Virology, metapneumoviruses in laying hens in different systems of husbandry as well as investigations on avian circoviruses. Another research focus is animal health related; several projects initiated by different German ministries, the Bundesforschungsanstalt für Landwirtschaft as well as the poultry industry and bird organisations concentrate on management and breed of birds under the animal welfare aspect. One current project focuses for example on alternatives to the routine euthanisation of male chicks from laying hens.

Clinical research in the field of large animals is represented by the classical clinical branches of Internal Medicine, Surgery and Theriogenology.

Large Animal Clinic for Internal Medicine

At the Large Animal Clinic for Internal Medicine the aim is the declaration of the causes of colic in horses. One of the most important causes of colic is gastric ulceration, which has been investigated in a research project. The hydrochloric acid secretion of the stomach is depending on the feeding stuff, which has been taken in. The longer and the more hydrochloric acid is being secreted it affects changes of the mucosa. The result is an erosion and/or ulcer, which is recorded endoscopically; the form of inflammation is to be characterised microscopically. A 24 hours pH-measurement while feeding different feeding stuff, is effected by a intragastrale pH-electrode. Biopsies of the mucosa, which are removed at the end of the feeding period, allow us to characterise the extent and the form of the inflammation of the mucosa which could be named as gastritis like in human medicine.

Research on ruminants focuses on the following: stabilisation of health during the peripartale period, examination of lipid mobilisation syndrome, ketosis, dislocatio abomasi, antioxidative status, reperfusion injuries, mycotoxin screening of the gall and milk of cows, immunological capacity as an indicator for the state of exposure of the dairy cows.

Medicine in pigs: The antioxidative status is examined on breeding pigs with mastitis-metritis-agalacty-complex. These and more projects will be conducted in the context of funds.

Large Animal Clinic for Surgery

At the Large Animal Clinic for Surgery minimal invasive ultrasound and transcutaneous ultrasound techniques in the bovine and equine abdomen are compared. Respiratory and blood gas parameters during thoracoscopy in the standing horse are also investigated. Further studies focus on the comparative evaluation of the interosseous muscle of the hindlimb of horses using ultrasonographic and histological methods, the magnetic resonance imaging of the equine hock with specific reference to the origin of the suspensory ligament, and the three-dimensional sonographic imaging at the stifle joint of horses. Orthopaedic problems in the horse are investigated with regard to the comparison of different horse breeds using radiographic criteria of maturity, and scintigraphic investigations of the equine digit.

In a cooperation with the Center for Biomedicine and Biotechnology at Leipzig University and the Fraunhofer Institute in Halle, systems for liver and bone replacement are being developed.

Large Animal Clinic for Theriogenology and Ambulatory Services

In the centre of research at the Large Animal Clinic for Theriogenology and Ambulatory Services is the establishment and improvement of reproductive performance in prepubertal and pubertal gilts and sows with special regard to ultrasonography. One of the aims is the integration of ultrasonograpy as part of gynaecological examination in gilts and sows.

Further studies in cooperation with several research institutions from inside and outside the faculty are currently performed on mycotoxins and infections with chlamydiae in gilts and sows with reduced fertility. Research studies on the establishment of pharmacologic agents to control reproduction in small animals are part of an international cooperation with institutions from Bulgary and Turkey.

Further research activities concentrate on the correlations between energy supply and ovulation time in dairy cows. Finally, there are research activities under field conditions to the epidemiology, diagnosis, metaphylaxis and therapy of clinical and subclinical mastitis in dairy cow herds.