Bovine Medicine Flashcards
A multiparous cow presents with hematuria, frequent attempts to urinate, anorexia, and slight fever. What diagnostic steps should be taken to confirm bovine pyelonephritis, and what findings are expected?
Answer:
Diagnostic steps include:
1. Urinalysis: Microscopic examination revealing white blood cells (pyuria) and bacteria (bacteriuria).
2. Urine Dipstick Tests: Positive for proteinuria and hematuria.
3. Quantitative Urine Culture: Isolation and identification of causative bacteria to guide antimicrobial therapy.
4. Rectal Palpation: Enlarged, painful left kidney with loss of lobulation.
5. Ultrasonography: Assessment of kidneys, ureters, and bladder for structural abnormalities.
Explanation:
The clinical signs described are indicative of bovine pyelonephritis. Urinalysis and dipstick tests help detect inflammation and infection markers. Quantitative urine culture identifies the specific pathogens involved, essential for selecting appropriate antimicrobial therapy. Rectal palpation and ultrasonography provide information on the extent of renal involvement and structural changes in the urinary tract.
What is the recommended treatment regimen for bovine pyelonephritis caused by Corynebacterium spp., and what considerations should be taken into account regarding antimicrobial use?
Answer: The recommended treatment for pyelonephritis caused by Corynebacterium spp. is:
• Procaine Penicillin: Administer 22,000 IU/kg intramuscularly every 12 hours, or 44,000 IU/kg intramuscularly every 24 hours, for 3 to 4 weeks.
Considerations:
• Duration: Prolonged therapy (3–4 weeks) is necessary to ensure complete eradication of the infection.
• Withdrawal Times: Extended treatment duration requires careful adherence to withdrawal periods to prevent antimicrobial residues in animal products.
• Antimicrobial Stewardship: Use of antimicrobials should be based on culture and susceptibility testing to promote responsible use and reduce resistance development.
Explanation:
Effective treatment of bovine pyelonephritis caused by Corynebacterium spp. necessitates prolonged administration of appropriate antimicrobials, such as procaine penicillin. Given the extended treatment period, it is crucial to observe proper withdrawal times to ensure food safety. Additionally, antimicrobial selection should be guided by culture and susceptibility results to ensure efficacy and support antimicrobial stewardship efforts.
Which bacterial pathogens are most commonly implicated in bovine cystitis and pyelonephritis, and what are the primary predisposing factors for these infections?
A. Corynebacterium renale group; factors include parturition trauma and high-protein diets.
B. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus spp., Proteus spp., Streptococcus spp., and Trueperella pyogenes; factors include parturition trauma, peak lactation stress, and high-protein diets.
C. Mycoplasma spp.; factors include poor sanitation and overcrowding.
D. Leptospira spp.; factors include standing water and rodent exposure.
Answer: B. Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus spp., Proteus spp., Streptococcus spp., and Trueperella pyogenes; factors include parturition trauma, peak lactation stress, and high-protein diets.
Explanation:
While the Corynebacterium renale group was historically the primary causative agent, recent findings indicate that bacteria such as E. coli, Staphylococcus spp., Proteus spp., Streptococcus spp., and Trueperella pyogenes are now more frequently isolated in cases of bovine cystitis and pyelonephritis. Predisposing factors include traumatic events like parturition, which can damage the ureteral mucosa, peak lactation stress, and high-protein diets that elevate urine pH, facilitating bacterial colonization.
