Ch 1 general considerations

Question 1

CSs of hypocalcaemia

Answer 1

Muscle fasiculations, weakness, sluggish PLRs, and cold extremities (e.g., the pinna), which could result in rumen and intestinal hypomotility, recumbency

Question 2

Methods of rumen fluid sampling?

What is the normal rumen pH range?

Answer 2

Ororumen tube

Ruminocentesis (L PLF)

Normal pH 5.5-7.5

Question 3

What is the normal rumen chlorid level?

What are elevations likely to indicate?

Answer 3

Normal = 25-30mE/L

Increases indicate reflux of Cl- from abomasum consistent w pyloric outflow obstruction

Question 4

What is this & what is it used for?

Answer 4

Frick speculum. Passed into cows mouth/oropharynx & rumen tube passed through it

Confirmation via visualisation in cervical oesophagus, characteristic rumen odour or blowing down tube while auscultating L PLF.

Try retrieve fluid by tube manipulation & left PLF pressure

Question 5

What is a Kingman tube?

Answer 5

Very large bore tube used to try empty rumen content w grain overload

Question 6

Describe 2 sites for abdominocentesis in cattle

Answer 6

1) Area between midline & the right milk vein, just caudal to xyphoid
2) Just above the udder on the right flank fold

Elsewhere under US guidance

Question 7

Most common electrolyte/ acid-base abnormality in cattle w GI dz regardless of underlying cause?

What is paradoxic aciduria and why does this occur?

Answer 7

Hypochloraemic metabolic alkalosis

Paradoxic aciduria develops as dehydration rx in Na retention, but Cl- not available, have to excrete another positive ion. Hypokalaemia means H+ is usually secreted. Paradoxic as alkalosis should promote H+ retention.

+/- hypokalaemia (inappetence)

Often concurrent hypocalcaemia