epistaxis cattle

Question 1

what are the top differntials for epistaxis in cattle?

Answer 1

caudal vena cava syndrome: (CVCS)
* Typically epistaxis, if seen, is substantial and bilateral.
* Haemoptysis may also occur - this will present as melena (because blood is being swallowed and digested)

embolic pneumonia (related to CVCS):
* Thrombi form aneurysms in the lungs and can rupture
* If the ruptured aneurysm erodes into a bronchiole, the blood may be expelled through the nares as the cow breathes.

trauma- typically unilateral epistaxis (unless the injury affects both sides of the face/nose)

pulmonary abscesses - bilateral epistaxis seen

Thrombocytopenia - bilateral epistaxis, cow will have other signs of a bleeding disorder

pulmonary haemorrhage - bilateral epistaxis seen

Question 2

what are the risk factors for caudal vena cava syndrome?

Answer 2

• Age: CVCS is rare in animals < 1yr old
• Diet: CVCS is more commonly seen in animals fed high grain or concentrate diet. diets includign barley are also a risk factor
• subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) (clingical signs - scour and tail swishing)