Figure 5

Selected clinical scores for study animals [SA] 4, 6, 20, and 22. Changes over time with regards to the number of cysts in the scleral conjunctivae and vestibulum vaginae, clinical alterations of teat skin and general skin, and changes in body condition and gait are depicted. Scores 1 (mild), 2 (moderate), and 3 (severe) were assigned to characterize the degree of alteration from physiological values of the teat skin (□) and general skin (♦). The body condition score (green ●) on a scale of 1–5 in 0.25 increments was determined according to Edmonson et al. [27,31]. For gait alterations (red ▲) a five-point scoring system was utilized following the lameness scoring system by Sprecher et al. [32]: Normal gait (1), mild (2), moderate (3), moderate to severe (4), and severe lameness (5). The number of cysts in the mucous membrane of the vestibulum vaginae (O) and mean number of cysts in the scleral conjunctivae (x) were estimated and results were assigned to the following categories: 1: 1–5 cysts; 2: 6–10 cysts; 3: 11–20 cysts; 4: 21–30 cysts; 5: >30 cysts.