Creatine phosphokinase and aspartate aminotransverase profiles and its relation to the severity of uterine torsion in Egyptian buffalo

Thirty-five female buffalo suffering from uterine torsion were brought to the veterinary clinic and were clinically examined as well as monitored using trans-rectal and trans-abdominal ultrasonography. Three blood samples were taken from each animal (before re-torsion, 1 h and 24 h after delivery) to investigate the relationship between the serum concentrations of creatine phosphokinase (CPK), aspartate aminotransverase (AST) and the severity of uterine torsion. The incidence of uterine torsion was greater in multiparous than young buffalo. The concentration of CPK and AST showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase with increased duration and severity of uterine torsion. However, the concentration of CPK was less in the cases delivering a live foetus than a dead one. Animals with CPK above 450 IU usually had uterine rupture during labour (85.7%) and CPK level above 500 U/l did not respond to treatment. After labour, the AST concentration reached normal in some cases (1–6 and 24–48 h). Animals with AST above 100 U/l may be either not respond to the re-torsion procedures or respond but exposed to uterine rupture during vaginal delivery. Occurrence of the uterine torsion is usually accompanied by an elevation (P < 0.05) of AST concentration regardless the degree, position and viability of the foetus (76.47–100.25 U/l vs. 59.43 U/l). Animals with severe torsion or carrying a dead foetus had greater (P < 0.05) AST compared to those having a mild degree or carrying live foetus. After labour, the concentration of AST decreased (P < 0.05) but never reached normal concentrations up to 24 h except in animals having a live foetus. In conclusion, concentration of CPK and AST can be used as a prognostic indicator for the occurrence of uterine torsion in Egyptian buffalo.