Bovine GI: Indigestion

Question 1

what is the most common form of bovine indigestion?

Answer 1

simple acute indigestion

Question 2

what are the risk factors for simple acute indigestion?

Answer 2

sudden change of feed or feed quality
prolonged antibiotics therapy
lack of water
lymphosarcoma of abomasal wall and mediastinal lymph nodes

Question 3

what would indicate a small bowel obstruction causing colic?

Answer 3

dilated loops of small intestine on rectal, blood in manure or cardiovascular collapse

Question 4

what is moderate to severe ruminal indigestion often from?

Answer 4

grain overload or ingestion of large quantities of rapidly fermentable feedstuffs
acidosis

Question 5

what causes acute rumen lactic acidosis?

Answer 5

over ingestion of large quantities of rapidly fermentable feedstuffs

Question 6

____________________, rapidly fermentable carbohydrate concentrates lead to a degree of transient rumen acidosis

Answer 6

even at a low level

Question 7

what is simple acute indigestion?

Answer 7

rapid alteration in rumen flora due to feed/toxin insult

Question 8

what are clinical signs of simple acute indigestion?

Answer 8

off feed and decreased to no milk
normal attitude to minimally depressed
TPR largely normal
ketones normal
gas in right abdomen
rumen distension possible
rumen hypermotile or hypomotile

Question 9

how can you treat simple acute indigestion?

Answer 9

oral laxatives/antacids: magnesium hydroxide powder
calcium orally
banamine

Question 10

what is moderate to severe ruminal indigestion?

Answer 10

acidosis from grain overload or ingestion of large quantities of rapidly fermentable feedstuffs

Question 11

what are clinical signs of moderate to severe ruminal indigestion?

Answer 11

dramatic decrease milk and intake
complete GI stasis
cool extremities
could be hypothermic
hypocalcemic

Question 12

how can you treat moderate to severe ruminal indigestion?

Answer 12

calcium IV and oral
powdered rumen laxative product and activated charcoal
+/- rumenotomy

Question 13

why is the lactate being high in the rumen a problem in acute rumen lactic acidosis?

Answer 13

draws water into rumen and severely dehydrates cow
rumen flora die because pH is decreased

Question 14

what is the rumen like in acute rumen lactic acidosis?

Answer 14

splashy and static

Question 15

how can you diagnose acute rumen acidosis?

Answer 15

rumen pH from left flank trocarisation or stomach tube
metabolic acidosis
azotemia

Question 16

when is a rumenotomy for acute rumen acidosis warranted?

Answer 16

<24 hours since ingestion
pH<5.0
HR>100
dehydration>8%
severe rumen distension
recumbency

Question 17

what causes acute rumen lactic acidosis?

Answer 17

over ingestion of large quantities of rapidly fermentable feedstuffs

Question 18

what is the prognosis of acute rumen lactic acidosis?

Answer 18

very guarded
lots of sequelae: severe rumenitis, mycotic rumenitis, bacteremia or mycotic infections through portal circulation

Question 19

what do small areas of focal rumenitis serve as?

Answer 19

entry points for bacteria

Question 20

what are the herd signs for subacute ruminal acidosis?

Answer 20

decreased milk
laminitis and food problems
hemoptysis
liver abscesses
immunocompromise

Question 21

how can you diagnose subacute ruminal acidosis?

Answer 21

rumenocentesis 6-8 hours post TMR feeding
if more than 4/12 cows abnormal, herd problem

Question 22

what minimum crude fiber content should you have for dairy cattle to manage subacute ruminal acidosis?

Answer 22

18-22%