Bovine Urinary Tract Problems

Question 1

List three methods to collect urine from cows

Answer 1

Wait
Stimulate vulva and perineum
Urinary catheterisation

Question 2

List two methods to collect urine from bulls

Answer 2

Massage prepuce or wash with warm water
Urinary catheterisation

Question 3

What is the normal specific gravity of cow urine?

Answer 3

1.02-1.045

Question 4

What is the normal pH of bovine urine?

Answer 4

Usually alkaline pH 7-8

Question 5

How would you differentiate haematuria from haemoglobinuria and myoglobinuria?

Answer 5

It will clear if left to stand

Question 6

What are the two most common differentials for haemoglobinuria in cattle?

Answer 6

Babesia
Brassica toxicity

Question 7

What are the two most common differentials for haematuria in cattle?

Answer 7

Cystitis
Pyelonephritis

Question 8

What causes babesiosis?

Answer 8

Babesia divergens

Question 9

Describe the pathogenesis of babesiosis

Answer 9

RBC intracellular parasite
Replication cycles followed by cell rupture.
Haemolysis, anaemia, icterus and haemoglobinuria
Drops in PCV can be sudden and dramatic
Spiking fever

Question 10

List five clinical signs of babesiosis

Answer 10

Red urine (doesnt settle)
Pyrexia
Anaemia, tachycardia and tachypnoea
Pip-stem diarrhoea and rumen stasis
Depression, weakness, ataxia and anorexia

Question 11

What are the four treatments for babesiosis?

Answer 11

Imiocarb diproprionate
Oxytetracycline
Blood transfusion if PCV < 15%
NSAIDs

Question 12

Which plants are brassicas?

Answer 12

Rape/Kale

Question 13

Describe the pathogenesis of brassica poisioning

Answer 13

Toxin converted to haemolytic factor in rumen
Haemolysis, icterus, anaemia and haemoglobinuria

Question 14

What are the acute clinical signs of brassica poisoning?

Answer 14

Haemoglobinuria, dullness, weakness and anaemia 1-2 weeks after grazing

Question 15

What is the key difference in clinical signs between brassica and babesiosis poisoning?

Answer 15

Babesiosis - pyrexia
Brassica poisoning - non-pyrexic

Question 16

What is the treatment for brassica poisoning?

Answer 16

Blood transfusion

Question 17

List two ways to prevent brassica poisoning.

Answer 17

Strip grazing/restricting intakes
Buffer feeding

Question 18

Define stranguria

Answer 18

Straining to urinate

Question 19

Define anuria

Answer 19

Inability to pass urine

Question 20

Define polyuria

Answer 20

Increased frequency or volume

Question 21

Define dysuria

Answer 21

Difficulty/pain in urination

Question 22

Define oliguria

Answer 22

Reduce urine production

Question 23

What are the three main bacteria that will cause cystitis in cattle?

Answer 23

C. renale
E. coli
Proteus vulgaris

Question 24

List 7 clinical signs of cystitis

Answer 24

Haematuria +/- pyuria
Stranguria and dysuria
Mild pyrexia
Pain on urinating
Arching of back
Weight loss
Possible thickening of the bladder per rectum

Question 25

List three treatments for cystitis

Answer 25

Antibiotics
NSAIDs
Encourage water intake

Question 26

Which antibiotic is appropriate for the treatment of cystitis in cattle?

Answer 26

Amoxicillin

Question 27

Which pathogen causes pyelonephritis?

Answer 27

Corynebacterium renale

Question 28

What sign of pyelonephritis may you see on rectal exam?

Answer 28

Kidneys enlarged

Question 29

How you wou prevent pyelonephritis?

Answer 29

Isolate affected cattle
Hygiene at calving/A.I
Consider the possibility of the carrier bull

Question 30

List four risk factors of urolithiasis

Answer 30

Castrated males
Excessive body condition
Calves on milk substitute
High levels of concentrates.

Question 31

Describe the aetiology of bladder paralysis

Answer 31

Dystocia: intrapelvic sacral nerve injury
Crushing of sacrum and tail head; vertebral damage

Question 32

List three clinical signs of bladder paralysis

Answer 32

Dribbling urine
Voiding small amounts
Urine scalding