Cardiovascular Disease of Cattle, Pt. 2 Flashcards
In what cattle is bovine leukemia virus infection most common? How does it typically develop?
dairy (80%) > beef (30-50%)
- asymptomatic carrier stage = 60%
- persistent lymphocytosis = 30%
- enzootic bovine LSA = <5%
Can carrier status of BLV resolve?
NO —> unless it presents in young cattle with colostrum protection (within 6 months)
- calves will likely test positive due to antibody transfer from colostrum, recommend to being testing after 6 months
What are the 2 ways BLV is transmitted? What is required?
- vertical - secretions from positive cattle
- horizontal - in utero (higher risk in calves born to cows with persistent lymphocytosis)
positive lymphocyte transfer by horseflies, blood transfusions, needles, palpation sleeves, or surgical instruments used for dehorning and tattooing
In what cattle is enzootic bovine lymphosarcoma development from BLV infection most common? What are the 3 most common signs?
those > 3 y/o
- enlarged superficial or internal lymph nodes (popped eye due to large retrobulbar LN
- lameness, unusual gait, paraysis (in spinal cord!)
- progressive debility
(other signs dependent on spread of neoplasia to other organs)
What are the top 5 places of metastasis of bovine LSA?
- heart - increased jugular pulse, tachycardia, murmur, arrhythmia
- abomasum (pylorus) - abdominal distension
- LNs
- uterus
- spinal cord - paresis, paralysis of hind limbs
Bovine LSA, mediastinal LN:
vagus nerve involvment = GI signs
Bovine LSA:
exophthalmos due to enlarged retrobulbar LN
How do cattle with persistent lymphocytosis from BLV present?
typically no signs of LSA, but will have abnormally high lymphocyte counts
What are the 3 sporadic types of lymphoma/LSA in cattle?
NOT ASSOCIATED WITH BLV, more common in younger stock
- juvenile (< 6 m/o)
- thymic (6-30 m/o)
- cutaneous (1-3 y/o)
What age of cattle is most commonly associated with thymic LSA? What is it? What are the most common signs?
6-30 m/o
massive lymphocytic infiltration of the thymus
- dyspnea, tachypnea
- distention of jugular veins, muffled heart sounds
- cough
- SQ emphysema in brisket, dewlap, forelimbs, and ventral abdominal walls
What age of cattle is most commonly affected by juvenile LSA? What are the most common clinical signs?
RARE - under 6 m/o
- generalized enlargement of LN
- infiltration of BM and internal organs
- anorexia, dyspnea, difficult ambulation (based on site of enlarged LNs)
What is the most sensitive test available for diagnosing BLV? What is commonly done first? What are other hints?
PCR/RIA
clinical diagnosis based on enlarged LN based on palpation or necropsy
- lymphocytosis (unreliable)
- AGID (most common)
What does a BLV positive test on a 6 y/o cow mean?
a. cow will die of lymphosarcoma
b. cow is persistently infected with BLV
c. cow has clinical lymphosarcoma
d. cow was recently infected, but should clear the virus in 1-2 months
B
What does a BLV positive test on a 6 m/o heifer mean?
a. cow will die of lymphosarcoma
b. cow is persistently infected with BLV
c. cow may or may not have BLV
d. cow was recently infected, but should clear the virus in 1-2 months
C
- at this age, colostrum maternal antibody protection is a possibility, recommend testing again once she is a little older
When is it normal to see udder edema?
periparturient dairy cows —> increased blood flow to mammary glands around the time of calving
more abnormal in beef cattle, suggestive of LSA blocking venous return from mammary glands to the heart
Is treatment available for BLV?
NO —> none are economic or curative, recommend euthanasia at proper time, since LSA is fatal eventually
What are the 3 methods used to control/prevent BLV?
- test and eliminate - prevalence should be low enough to economically make sense, requires constant surveillance, government compensation
- test and segregate - don’t replace stock, keep positives together and away from negatives while slowly culling positives to decrease new infections, constant surveillance and more facilities needed
- test and manage - most cost effective but least effective in preventing new cases, requires strict adherence to control measures
How is BLV prevented? Is there a proper vaccine?
- prevent spread of blood and tissues between cattle (needles, palpation sleeves, insects, work BLV negative cattle first)
- maintain a closed herd, with any incoming cattle testing negative before integration
- test stock > 6 months every 6 months
NO
What can/should be done with BLV-positive cow’s colostrum?
a. feed it to pigs
b. risk is low, so it can be fed to all calves
c. feed it to bull calves
d. drink it yourself
A, C, D
- pigs not susceptible
- bulls not worth as much and will likely be sent to slaughter before exhibiting any signs
- no risk to humans, high in protein!
How can BLV spread be prevented?
- feed only colostrum and milk from BLV-negative cows
- pasteurize milk/replacer
- use AI or negative bulls when breeding
What is the most common cause of anemia in cattle? Second most common cause?
chronic infection or inflammation
traumatic hemorrhage —> abomasal ulcers, blood parasites
What are common differentials for a unilateral swelling of the mammary region of the abdomen in cattle?
- abscess
- hematoma from udder vein trauma; not recommended to open, pressure can provide hemostasis
- seroma
- hernia