Brisket oedema Flashcards
what does oedema mean
reduced venous return
loss of protein
leaky capillaries
List 9 differentials for oedema in cattle
High altitude disease
Malignant oedema
Liver fluke
Johnes disease
PGE
Other clostridial disease - e.g. struck
heart disease
reduced udder oedema- udder oedema
non-parasitic liver disease
where is high altitude disease seen
Seen above 5,000ft altitude
Not in UK
describe the pathogenesis of high altitude disease
Low oxygen saturation in the air
Pulmonary hypertension- increase hydrostatic tissue
–> Oedema in ventral tissues of chest and abdomen (ascites)
Describe how to treat high altitude disease
move to lower altitude area- but slowly
diuretics
appetite stimulants (B vitamins)
thoracocentesis
Describe how to prevent high altitude disease
breed for more resistant stock- don’t breen from affect animals
what causes malignant oedema
Clostridium (different types)
often introduced by injection or some other deep wound
What are the clinical signs of malignant oedema
Rapid multiplication deep in tissues so clinical signs in <48hrs
anorexia
depression
fever
death
may have local swelling
what do we see on PM with malignant oedema
Affected muscles are dry and friable
red/black
emphysematous
Pericardium similarly affected
Describe how to prevent malignant oedema
clostridial vaccines
not that expensive
Describe how to treat malignant oedema
straight penicillin - needs to be for a long time
there are some surgical approaches
Describe the aetiology of udder oedema
unclear
correlation with reduced dry matter intake- poss transient liver dysfunction
occurs before calving
Describe how to prevent udder oedema
Diet during the dry period is most effective form of prevention
describe how to treat udder oedema
Treatment may be split into nursing care and medication
Massage and hot compresses to stimulate circulation
Diuretics- if very severe - needs to be given IV
corticosteroids once calved- if inflammation very severe
List 8 non-parasitic causes to liver disease
copper toxicity
neoplasia
liver abcess
hepatic necrosis
cholecystitis
chirrosis
tuberculosis
fatty liver syndrome
what is the most common cause of hepatic necrosis in cattle
Fusobacterium invasion (foot-rot)
is the end stage
what is seen with copper toxicity
jaundice- sclera and skin
urine- black
anorexic
depressed
D+
abdominal pain
weakness found dead
what is seen on PM with copper toxicity
liver bronzed colour
kidneys - gun-metal appearance
when do chronic copper toxicity occur
slow build up
Only ‘spills over’ to hypercupraemia when the storage capacity of the liver is exceeded
Will then present as acute toxicity
when is acute copper toxicity seen
Acute copper toxicity is seen after inadvertent over-administration
Usually found recumbent or dead
what is cirrhosis
basically chronic effects of subacute liver fluke infestation
when do we see signs of cirrhosis
in early lactation when metabolic demands highest
what do we tend to see with cirrhosis
constipation
Can also see other clinical syndromes associated with the damage caused by the fluke including endocarditis, salmonellosis
What is the toxin in ragwort
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids
how does ragwort poisoning occur
Usually cattle are not attracted to graze on it, but this should not be counted upon
Major problem if gathered up with hay
describe the pathogenesis of ragwort poisoning
Direct hepatocellular damage by the alkaloids
slow, chronic ingestion is common
ACUTE poisoning rare
describe the clinical signs of ragwort poisoning
weight loss
mild to moderate jaundice
photosensitisation
diarrhoea and low grade colic
Possible hepatic encephalopathy as ammonia levels rise around the brain
what do we see with hepatic encephalopathy
head pressing
stupor - crazy behaviour
blindness
staggering
Describe how to prevent ragwort poisoning
pull plants before they flower
do not make hay from affected fields
Sheep can be less susceptible, so may even be able to tolerate ragwort at pasture in low doses
describe how to treat ragwort poisoning
adjust diet
treatment often unrewarding - because chronic and they have overcome their hepatic threshold
Describe the pathogenesis of liver abscess in cattle
damage to rumen through grain overload (acidosis)
Inflammation of rumen lining —> bacteria go through rumen wall and into blood stream–> go to liver
List some possible complications of liver abscess
Rupture into the abdominal cavity causing massive peritonitis
Rupture into a major vessel causing major haemorrhage, shock and sudden death
Vena cava thrombosis
But all depends on the abscess - may not see any signs of them
describe how to treat liver abscess
unrewarding
describe how to prevent liver abscesses
avoid acidotic ruminal conditions- feed enough roughage, do not over-feed grain
