Bovine Ketosis

Question 1

In what animals is ketosis commonly seen? Why?

Answer 1

lactating cows

energy (glucose) necessary to support heavy milk production exceeds caloric and nutritional intake and not adequately offset by increased gluconeogenesis in the liver —> the body attempts to increase energy production/precursors by mobilizing adipose stores in the form of free fatty acids to contribute to gluconeoegensis

Question 2

When is ketosis most commonly seen in ewes and does?

Answer 2

pregnancy toxemia –> last 2-4 weeks of gestation when there is increased energy demands from rapidly growing fetuses (twins) combined with insufficient feed intake

Question 3

Why does ketosis occur in the face of a negative energy balance?

Answer 3

• liver is overwhelmed and unable to convert all mobilized FFA glucose
• anaerobic respiration results in the production of ketone bodies that remain in the blood
• ketone bodies are absorbed and produced faster than they are used as an energy source
• this results in elevated fatty acids and decreased blood glucose

Question 4

What are 4 primary diseases that can lead to secondary ketosis?

Answer 4

1. displaced abomasum
2. metritis
3. peritonitis
4. mastitis

Question 5

What 3 ketone bodies are elevated in cases of ketosis?

Answer 5

1. acetoacetic acid
2. acetone
3. B-hydroxybutyric acid

Question 6

What clinical signs are indicative of ketosis?

Answer 6

• depression
• inappetence
• weight loss
• decreased rumen motility
• decreased milk production
• ketone odor on breath

(often non-specific!!)

Question 7

What are 4 methods of diagnosing pregnancy toxemia?

Answer 7

1. history - recent parturition, heavy lactation
2. elevated ketones in blood, urine, or milk
3. decreased blood glucose
4. liver enzyme elevation due to the role of the liver in energy metabolism and gluconeogenesis

Question 8

What are 4 common therapies instituted to treat ketosis (other than correcting primary disease)?

Answer 8

1. IV glucose with insulin adjunctive
2. oral propylene glycol - glucose precursor that will support gluconeogenesis and not produce ketone bodies
3. corticosteroids (dexamethasone) - prolonged hyperglycemia because of their gluconeogenic and appetite stimulating effects
4. tube feeding

induce parturition or Cesarian section!!

Question 9

How can ketosis be controlled/prevented?

Answer 9

feeding and husbandry strategies during late lactation and dry periods to keep a good body condition at the time of calving

Question 10

What equine condition is similar to ketosis in ruminants? Why?

Answer 10

hyperlipemia/hyperlipidemia in ponies and miniature horses

negative energy balance results in fat mobilization and potentially fat accumulation in the plasma and liver (equids do not form ketones to the degree that ruminants do)