Exam 2 (Cows)

Question 1

Gestation length in Cows

Answer 1

273-292d

Question 2

Hormone Changes in Prep for Parturition in Cows

Answer 2

o Relaxin and estrogens cause relaxation of pelvic ligaments -> sinking of the tail head
o Relaxin & PGE cause Cervical softening/ripening
o Vulvar edema
o Prolactin, estrogens, glucocorticoids cause udder edema

Question 3

Pathway that Starts Parturition in Cows

Answer 3

o Increase fetal cortisol ->
o Release PGF2alpha ->
o Luteolysis & relaxin causing pelvic ligament stress

ALSO

o Increase fetal cortisol ->
o Placental P4 ->
o E2 ->
o Lubrication of tract & myometrial contractions –>
o Increased pressure ->
o Cervical stimulation ->
o Oxytocin

Question 4

Stage I of Labor in Cows; Duration, Clinical Signs, What is happening, Reasons to Intervene

Answer 4

o 2-6 hours(up to 8)

Clinical signs
 Isolation from the herd
 Discomfort
 Kicking at the belly
 Restlessness (heifers)

What happens?
 Uterine contraction
 Cervical dilation
 Rupture of the chorioallantoic membrane
 “Ferguson reflex”
 Abdominal contractions

Reasons to Intervene
 No progression to stage 2 after 4 hrs
 Severe discomfort
 Vaginal bleeding
 Excessive straining, rectal prolapse, rectal bleeding
 Downer

Question 5

Stage II of Labor in Cows; Duration, What is happening, Reasons to Intervene

Answer 5

o 0.5-2 hours for cows

o 2-4 hours for heifers
o Cervix is fully dilated
o Appearance of the amniotic sac
o Many lie down
o contractions will increase and abdominal contractions are obvious.
o This stage ends with delivery of the calf

Reasons to Intervene
 If amniotic sac is seen or ruptured + the following
 No progression/no efforts for 2 hours
 Too much effort for 30 minutes and no progression
 Expulsive efforts halted for more than 20 minutes
 Signs of distress or fatigue
 rectal or vaginal bleeding
 Severe vulvar swelling
 Calf with swollen tongue, meconium staining

Question 6

Stage III of Labor in Cows

Answer 6

o Uterine contractions
o Variation in blood pressure within the placentome
o Collagenase and Neutrophils activity
o The placenta should be delivered within 6 hours
o Retained placenta if 12 hours or more

Question 7

Induction of Parturition in Cows; Indications, Prerequisites, Complications, Drugs

Answer 7

Indications
 Convenience / management (Not common in the US)
 Valuable offspring
 Embryo transfer (in vitro fertilization, cloning)
 Accident or debilitating disease in the dam
 Prolonged pregnancy (fetus gains 0.45 to 0.68 kg/days in final weeks)

Prerequisites
 Known breeding date
 Need to know if fetus alive or dead

Complications
 Retained fetal membranes

Drugs
 Dexmethasone + PGF2-alpha
 Takes 25-42hrs

Question 8

Maternal Causes of Dystocia in Cows

Answer 8

o Beef > dairy
o Inbreeding
o Muscular hypertrophy
o Uterine torsion
o Primary uterine inertia due to Hypocalcemia etc
o Secondary uterine inertia due to Exhaustion of the myometrium
o Feto-maternal disproportion (small heifers)
o Abnormalities of the birth canal
o Overconditioning
o Long gestation
o Multiparous
o Hypoclacemia
o ketosis

Question 9

Fetal Causes of Dystocia in Cows

Answer 9

o Malpositioning
o Monsters
o Oversized
o Twinning
o Male > female
o In vitro produced

Question 10

Preventing Dystocia in Cows

Answer 10

o Monitor heifer growth
o Select size bulls
o Manage nutrition
o Select for pelvimetry

Question 11

Rectal Exam for Dystocia in Cows; When? Objectives

Answer 11

Must be performed in all animals if the following
 Straining and nothing is showing at the vulva
 Only a foot is showing
 Bloody discharge

Primary objectives
 Rule in/out uterine torsion
 Verify pregnancy status and stage
 Check for abnormalities of the pelvis

Question 12

Prep for Vaginal Exam During Dystocia in Cow

Answer 12

o Clean the vulva and perineal area and any protruding fetal parts with surgical soap and water
o Scrub hands and arms
o Use ample lubrication

Caudal epidural
 1st intercoccygeal space desensitizes sacral nerves 3 - 5
 Sacrococcygeal desensitize sacral nerves 2 – 5 but often calcified in older cows
 2% lidocaine 1mL/100kg BW (no more than 5 mL)
 Desensitizes tail, vagina, vulva, perineum
 High dose: ataxia

Question 13

What to Examine During Vaginal Exam During Dystocia in Cow

Answer 13

 Examine birth canal for any lesions
 Evaluate dilation and integrity of the vulva, vestibulo-vaginal sphincter and vagina
 Evaluate cervical dilation
 Do not rupture the amniotic sac if the cervix is not fully dilated
 Determine fetal disposition (Presentation, Position and Posture)
 Determine fetal viability

Question 14

Options for Resolution of Dystocia in Cows

Answer 14

o Vaginal delivery after mutation
o Forced fetal extraction
o Fetotomy
o Cesarean section
o Pelvic symphysiotomy (not recommended)
o Euthanasia

Question 15

Uterine Torsion in Cow; Diagnosis, Clinical Signs, Treatment

Answer 15

Diagnosis
 Most torsion are to the left (counterclockwise)
 Broad ligament displacement per rectum palpation
 Spiral folds per vagina palpation

Clinical Signs
 Tachypnea/tachycardia
 Bleeding from rectum
 Failure to progress
 Raised tailhead
 Restlessness
 Straining
 Anorexia
 Death from hemorrhage

Treatment
 Lay cow on side of torsion, stabilize fetus, & flip to other side (need 3-4 times)
 C-section
 Detorsion rod if cervix open & fetus accessible

Question 16

Repulsion of a Cow Fetus

Answer 16

o “Pushing” the fetus away from the pelvis to make room for manipulations

Requirements
 Relax uterus w/ Clenbuterol or Epinephrine
 Caudal epidural
 Lubrication (pump water soluble lubricant)
 Can be done manually or use of the Kuhn’s crutch

Question 17

Rotation of Cow Fetus

Answer 17

o Turning the fetus on its longitudinal axis
o Partial to take advantage of the largest diameter of the pelvis
o Complete to bring fetus from dorsoilial or dorsopubic to dorsosacral
o Can be done manually using the fetal limbs
o Can use a detorsion rod

Question 18

Version of Cow Fetus

Answer 18

o Applied in transverse presentation
o Usually not possible in ventral transverse

Question 19

When is Vaginal Delivery Possible w/ anterior/dorsosacral presentation of calf and posterior/lumbosacral presentation of calf?

Answer 19

Anterior or dorsosacral presentation
* If 1 person can pull fetlocks 10-15cm beyond vulva
* If point of shoulders at level of ilial shafts

Posterior or lumbosacral presentation
* If hock can be exteriorized
* Must rotate fetus 45-90 degrees

Question 20

When is Vaginal Delivery Impossible During Cow Dystocia?

Answer 20

 The head has not moved spontaneously into the pelvis
 Fetus is positioned in the birth canal and the forelimbs are crossed
 Hooves are rotated with solar surfaces facing medially (i.e. elbows are forced together)
 Fetus is lodged and does not move when abdominal press occurs

Question 21

Extraction of Cow Fetus

Answer 21

o Loop chain above fetlock & Half hitch around pastern
o Maximum 2 / 3 persons (600-800 lpi) or One person per leg
o one foot at the time
o Pull in arc direction

Question 22

Fetotomy Indications & Requirements

Answer 22

Indications
 Dead fetus
 Traction is impossible
 Cesarean not an option

Requirements
 Fully dilated vulva, vagina and Cervix
 Experience
 Proper equipment

Question 23

C-Section in a Cow; Indications

Answer 23

 Elective / scheduled
 Irreducible fetal maldispositions
 Pelvic injury or abnormalities of the dam
 Uterine torsion
 Abnormal vagina: trauma, laceration, severe edema
 Salvage of term live fetus
 Should never be considered as last resort!

Question 24

C-Section in a Cow; Surgical Approaches

Answer 24

Standing
* Left paralumbar
* Right paralumbar

Dorsal recumbency
* Right & Left ventral abdominal paramedian
* Ventral abdominal median

Lateral recumbency
* Right or left supramammary (oblique)
* Right or left ventral abdominal paramedian
* Ventral right or left paralumbar

Question 25

L Flank Laparotomy C-section in Cows; Basics, Sedation, Anesthesia

Answer 25

 NOT recommended for cows that are likely to go down or extremely fractious

Sedation
* Ketamine 0.04mg/kgIM
* Butorphanol 0.01mg/kgIM
* Xylazine 0.02mg/kgIM

Anesthesia
* Caudal epidural (Lidocaine/Xylazine) w/ inverted “L” paralumbar block
* Sedation/analgesia (Xylazine/butorphanol)

Question 26

C-Section in a Cow; Skin Incision, Basics, Approaches, Common Errors

Answer 26

 Caudal third of the fossa to facilitate exteriorization of the uterus
 35 to 40 cm long

Vertical
* Mid-paralumbar extending ventrally
* Size depends on size of the fetus

Slightly oblique
* 10 cm cranial and 8 to 10 cm ventral to the cranial aspect of the tuber coxae
* Extend cranioventrally at 45° angle ending 3 cm caudal to the last rib

Common errors
* Too high
* Too low
* Too small
* Jagged

Question 27

C-Section in a Cow; Muscles to cut, Gridding Technique & Common Problems

Answer 27

 Incise through the subcutaneous tissues & Internal and external abdominal oblique muscles
 Tent the transversus abdominus muscle with forceps and incise with scissors
 Use finger to check for any adhesions and direct incision with scissors

Modified gridding technique
* Limits the size of the incision
* Difficult exteriorization of the uterus

Common problems
* Excessive bleeding (insure hemostasis)
* Pain: Cutting through nerve branches
* Inability to identify the peritoneum
* Incision through to the rumen

Question 28

C-Section in a Cow; Exploration of the Peritoneal Cavity

Answer 28

 Use sterile wet sleeves
 Determine the location, size and position of the fetus
 Check for any uterine/cervical lacerations
 Check for uterine torsion
 Check tone/relaxation of the uterus

Question 29

C-Section in a Cow; Exteriorization of the Uterus, How to & Common Problems

Answer 29

 Locate the tip of the uterine horn
 Grasp the leg of the fetus within the tip of the uterine horn
 Bring the tip of the horn into the abdominal incision

Problems
* Very difficult if fetus is large or uterus is contracted (Epinephrine to relax uterus)
* Never grasp the uterine horn without fetal limb!
* Transverse presentations are very difficult
* If you cannot bring the uterus up make blind uterine incision using a sterilized letter opener

Question 30

C-Section in a Cow; Uterine Incision & Problems

Answer 30

 Incision should be made over the greater curvature
 Start at the tip of the horn and extend caudally
 Stab incision and extended with scissors
 Incision should be long enough to accommodate fetal limbs and head (caudal presentation) or the hips (cranial presentation)
 Do not hesitate to extend uterine incision during delivery

Problems
* Too small incision resulting in uterine rupture or tears
* Too close to the broad ligament
* Too close to the body and cervix
* Spillage of uterine fluid or lubricant into the abdominal cavity
* Excessive hemorrhage due incision of placentomes

Question 31

C-Section in a Cow; Delivery of the Fetus in Cranial or Caudal Position

Answer 31

Cranial presentation
* Apply chains to both hind legs
* pull dorsal and lateral until the pelvic area is brought to the abdominal incision

Caudal presentation
* Apply chains to the forelegs
* Locate and align the head with incision then apply traction
* May need to use a head snare

Question 32

C-Section in a Cow; Uterus Closure, Problems

Answer 32

 Exteriorize as much of the uterus as possible
 Hold uterus with uterine clamps
 Check for lesions or abnormalities
 Remove the placenta only if completely detached and comes out easily
 Trim cord and placenta and replace in the abdominal cavity
 Single layer Utrecht if healthy
 double-layer closure Lembert then Utrecht if risk of leakage
 Start at the caudal commissure
 May administer oxytocin after closure
 Check uterus for leakage, clean, and replace in normal position
 Use a saline solution of heparin, penicillin K, or tetracycline

Problems
* Edges not inverting properly
* Knots not buried
* Uterine tears at the suture points (weak or damaged uterus)
* Jagged uterine incision

Question 33

C-Section in a Cow; Abdominal Closure

Answer 33

 Abdominal lavage as indicated
 Eliminate as much air from the abdomen as possible during suture**
 Always start from the ventral commissure
 Peritoneum, transverse and internal oblique muscles Simple continuous pattern
 External oblique abdominal muscle and subcutaneous tissue in simple continuous pattern
 Close skin w/ ford interlocking

Question 34

C-Section in a Cow; Complications

Answer 34

o Emphysema
o Peritonitis (abdominal lavage)
o Endotoxemia, postoperative sepsis
o Abdominal adhesions
o Retained placenta, metritis
o Surgical site infections
o Reduced fertility

Question 35

C-Section in a Cow; Umbilical Care

Answer 35

o Maternity pen hygiene
o Reduce calf residency time in calving pens
o Adequate early intake of good quality colostrum
o Immediate and repeated cord dipping with chlorhexidine
o “cloned” calves may need surgical resection of the umbilical stump

Question 36

Colostrum Quality in Cows

Answer 36

o Mass of IgG available for absorption should be >100 g/L
o Colostrum high in red blood cells may exacerbate any diarrhea caused by gram (-) bacteria
o Routine pasteurization methods reduces IgG concentrations
o Heat treatment at 60°C for 30 min reduces bacterial count, preserves IgG concentration and increases the apparent efficiency of absorption of IgG

Question 37

Colostrum Absorption in Cows

Answer 37

6hrs after birth
 50%

8hrs
 33%

After 24hrs
 No absorption

Failure of passive transfer
 Serum IgG <10mg/mL

If giving calf pasteurized colostrum, need to give all w/in 4hrs of birth

Question 38

Septic Metritis in Cows; Clinical Signs, Usual Flora, Treatment

Answer 38

Clinical Signs
 2-14 days postpartum
 Anorexia
 Drop in milk production
 Pyrexia
 Tachycardia
 Tachypnea
 Dehydration
 Large fluid filled uterus
 Dark brown to red foul smelling discharge
 Diarrhea
 Rumen atony
 Toxemia

Usual Flora
 Trueperella pyogenes
 Fusobacterium necrophorum
 Bacteroides spp.
 E. coli

Treatment
 Penicillin, ceftiofur, ampicillin, oxytetracycline
 NSAIDs
 Fluid therapy
 Supportive therapies

Question 39

Uterine Prolapse in Cows; Predisposing Factors, Treatment

Answer 39

o First 24 hours (maybe longer)

Predisposing factors
 Hypocalcaemia
 Tenesmus (vaginal injury, prolonged dystocia)
 Excessive extraction force
 Large fetus
 Calving paresis

Treatment
 Replacement
 Hysterectomy
 Slaughter salvage/ euthanasia

Question 40

Uterine Prolapse in Cows; How to Replacement

Answer 40

 Epidural ->
 Standing or place in sternal position & extend legs out behind cow to allow uterus to be elevated above the perineum ->
 Clean the uterus with warm water and mild antiseptic ->
Massage the uterus to reduce edema (use large wet towels) ->
 Replace starting at the cervix ->
 Use close fists to continue to push the uterine horns through the cervix ->
 Make sure that the uterine horns are extended all the way to avoid necrosis of invaginated tips by filling uterus with large volume of warm water w/ mild antiseptic ->
 Administer oxytocin ->
 Treat hypocalcaemia if needed ->
 Place Buhner suture if cow is weak and not ambulating ->
 Systemic antibiotics and NSAIDs as needed ->
 If all fails – Uterine amputation

Question 41

Dairy; Age at first breeding, age at first calving, weight at 1st calving

Answer 41

Breeding
 14-15mo

Age at Calving
 24mo

Weight at Calving
 1200lbs

Question 42

Annual Repro Cycle in Dairy

Answer 42

o Pregnancy - 280 days
o Waiting Period – 60d
o 3-4 cycles to get cow pregnant again
o Days open - 85-110d

Question 43

Dairy; Average Days Open

Answer 43

o Number of days from calving to date of insemination resulting in confirmed pregnancy
o 100 –110 days
o most commonly used parameter to evaluate reproductive efficiency
o does not include cows culled for reproductive problem and does not reflect the distribution
o There should be less than 10% of the cows open after 150d

Question 44

Dairy; Heat Detection Efficiency & Heat Intervals

Answer 44

Heat Detection Efficiency
o % Cows pregnant at the first pregnancy diagnosis
o Should ~ 80-85%

Heat Intervals
o < 18days - error, cystic ovarian condition, PGF2α administration
o 18 to 24 days - normal
o > 24days – missed heats, early embryonic death

Question 45

Dairy; Breeding Efficiency Indices, calculate preg rate

Answer 45

o Aim for 1.5-2 services per conception
o Heifers 65-70% conception rate
o Lactating cows 30-55% conception rate
o Pregnancy rate = Heat detection rate (HD) x Conception Rate (CR)

Question 46

Dairy; Who & What to Regularly Examine Post Calving

Answer 46

First 10 days
 Cows that had dystocia
 Abnormal discharge after calving
 Retained placenta

15 to 45 days:
 Uterine involution
 abnormalities (metritis, pyometra, cysts)
 Ovarian activity

Question 47

Dairy; Pregnancy Diagnosis

Answer 47

First pregnancy diagnosis
 28 days by transrectal ultrasonography
 28-30 days PSPB
 32-35 days by transrectal palpation

First confirmation:
 70-80 days of pregnancy

Second confirmation:
 at dry off

Question 48

Freemartinism; Basics, Diagnosis

Answer 48

o 92% of females born co-twin w/ male
o Due to Anti-Müllerian hormone
o Normal or hairy external genitalia
o Short vagina, underdeveloped uterus, hypoplastic ovaries

Diagnosis
 Transrectal palpation in adults
 Test vaginal depth in claves <30d old
 PCR to detect Y antigen

Question 49

White Heifer Dz

Answer 49

o Recessive sex-linked gene w/ white hair coat
o Segmental aplasia of the paramesonephric ducts & cervix
o Normal ovaries
o Persistent hymen (Shorthorn cattle)
o Mucometra

Question 50

Postpartum Dzs

Answer 50

o Calving associated injuries and accidents (few hours after calving)
o Retained placenta (few hours)
o Toxic mastitis (1- 3 wks)
o Postpartum metritis and delayed uterine involution (1-few weeks)
o Metabolic diseases (1-60 days)
o Cystic ovarian disease (first 60 days)
o Anestrus

Question 51

Dairy; Transition Period

Answer 51

o 3 weeks before to 3 weeks after parturition
o Rapid fetal growth
o Colostrogenesis
o Initiation of lactation
o High demand in energy, glucose, amino acids, minerals, and other nutrients
o Negative energy balance

Question 52

Dairy; Pathophysiology of Dz During Transition Period

Answer 52

Lipid mobilization
 Increased serum level of Non-Esterified Fatty Acids (NEFAs)
 Increased ketone bodies, Acetone, acetoacetate, and ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB)
 Decreased immunity
 Leucopenia
 Decreased INFγ and IgM synthesis
 Reduced phagocytosis

Increased concentrate in the ration
 Ruminal acidosis
 Inflammatory cytokines and acute phase proteins
 Increased risk for metritis, laminitis, mastitis, displaced abomasum

Question 53

Dairy; Uterine Involution

Answer 53

o 2 week postpartum: No fluid
o 2-3 weeks: Uterus is retractable
o 3 Weeks: Size reduced by 80%
o 40 days: Complete involution
o Delayed if underlying dz

Question 54

Retained Placenta; What, Pathogenesis, Treatment

Answer 54

o >12 hours postpartum
o failure of detachment (primary) or failure of expulsion (secondary)

Pathogenesis
 decreased collagenolytic activity
 due to presence of anticollagenase & reduced collagenase due to hypoclacemia
 deficit in neutrophil phagocytic activity

Treatment
 NO manual removal or PGF2-alpha
 Oxytocin for failure of expulsion
 Antibiotics if septic
 Injection of collagenase into umbilical arteries

Question 55

Uterine Infection; Effect on Repro, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, Fever

Answer 55

Effect on Repro
 Increase Days open by 15 days

Diagnosis
 Palpation
 degenerative left shift in septic metritis

Treatment
 penicillin/ceftiofur
 fluid therapy
 NSAID
 oxytocin (20 to 40 IU every 2 to 6 hours),
 PGF2α (pyometra)

Prevention
 Nutrition (body condition, Prepartum ration, DCAD)
 Calving management/care
 Postpartum (Fresh) cow monitoring program
 Temp daily for the first 10 days post-partum

Fever
* ≥ 103°F (Cows)
* ≥ 102.5°F (Heifers)

Question 56

Dairy; Postpartum (Fresh) Cow Program If cow has fever

Answer 56

Looks Sick
 Oxytocin
 Flunixin meglumin or aspirin
 IV dextrose, oral propylene glycol
 Oral calcium or 250 ml Ca Gluconate IV
 Penicillin, Ceftiofur (if metritis)

Looks Healthy
 Day 1: Same as sick cows (NO ANTIBIOTICS)
 Day 2: Same as sick cows, if temperature persists
 Day 2: if normal temperature, recheck the following day

Question 57

Dairy; Postpartum (Fresh) Cow Program If cow does not have fever

Answer 57

Looks Sick
 IV dextrose, oral propylene glycol
 Glucose promoters (corticosteroids)
 Oral calcium or 250 ml Ca Gluconate IV
 Check for DA
 Add antibiotics if fever develops

Looks Healthy
 Continue to monitor temp

Question 58

Cystic Ovarian Dz; Basic, Causes, Treatment

Answer 58

o > 25 mm for more than 10 days in absence of a corpus luteum
o Results in nymphomania, anestrus, rarely normal cycles

Causes
 Adrenal hyperfunction
 Postpartum diseases
 High production (> 3rd parity)
 Genetics
 High selenium levels

Treatment
 GnRH or hCG
 Follow w/ PGF2-alpha
 Spontaneous recovery possible

Question 59

Dairy; Anestrus; False Vs True, Causes

Answer 59

False
 Pregnancy
 Heat detection problems

True
 Small inactive ovaries
 Persistent luteal function
 Persistent corpus luteum
 Pyometra

Causes of ovarian inactivity
 Poor growth/parasitism
 Trace mineral deficiencies
 Negative energy balance (mature cows)
 Association w/ Hypocalcemia, ketosis, retained placenta, displaced abomasum

Question 60

Dairy; Estrus Signs

Answer 60

o Lasts 15-18 hrs
o Allows mounting
o Mucous discharge
o Reddening and swelling of the vulva
o Increased activity
o Chin resting
o Lip curling
o Drop in milk production

Question 61

Dairy; Herd w/ Inefficient Estrus Detection

Answer 61

o Very few heats observed before service
o Prolonged calving to 1st service interval (should be less than 18 days beyond VWP)
o Interestus interval > 30 d, or multiple of 21
o More than 15% of cows open at the first pregnancy diagnosis
o Cows are cyclic (vet. Examination)
o Less than 50% of eligible cows are observed in estrus

Question 62

Dairy; Reasons for Poor Conception Rate

Answer 62

 Uterine disease (endometritis)
 Failure of ovulation
 Change in body condition
 Heat stress: effects on oocyte quality
 Timing of insemination
 Semen quality
 Semen handling
 Insemination technique

Question 63

Dairy; Effects of Heat Stress on Fertility

Answer 63

o Temp > 26C or 78-79F
o Decrease oocyte & embryo quality
o Increased granulosa cells degeneration
o decreased steroidogenesis
o Decreased progesterone
o Effect can last over several cycles

Question 64

Dairy; Iatrogenic Causes of Abortion

Answer 64

o PGF2-alpha first 150 days of pregnancy
o Dexamethasone + PGF 2 alpha last trimester

Question 65

Dairy; Factors that Contribute to Pregnancy loss

Answer 65

Abortion = loss between 42-260 days

o Genetics
o Heifers > 26mo
o Older & multiparous
o Heat stress
o High milk production
o Timing of insemination
o Metabolic dz
o Mastitis
o Lameness

Question 66

Brucellosis; Transmission, Clinical Signs, DIagnosis, Prevention

Answer 66

Transmission
 Oral
 venereal
 Hematogenous
 Mammary gland,
 lymph nodes
 gravid uterus

Clinical Signs & Lesions
 Abortion in 2nd half of pregnancy
 Severe placentitis
 Autolyzed fetus

Diagnosis
 FA
 Culture of abomasal fluid, lung, placenta, milk, uterine fluid
 Paired serum samples 1:100

Prevention
 Test
 Vx

Question 67

Leptospirosis; Clinical Signs, Diagnosis

Answer 67

Clinical Signs
 Abortions during last trimester
 Abortion following 7-10 day illness
 Fever
 Anemia
 Hemoglobinuria
 Icterus
 Agalactia
 Mastitis
 Death
 Autolyzed fetus

Diagnosis
 Culture of urine, placenta, feces
 FAT
 Dark field microscopy
 Paired serum samples of herd 1:800
 Paired serum samples on cow 1:40
 PCR on fetal kidney

Question 68

Listeriosis; Clinical Signs in Cow, Clinical Signs in Fetus, Diagnosis

Answer 68

Clinical Signs in Cow
 Abortion in last trimester
 Rare fever
 Anorexia
 Encephalitis
 Retained placenta
 suppurative placentitis
 Necrosis of cotyledon

Clinical Signs in Fetus
 Autolysis
 Fibrinous pericarditis
 Focal liver necrosis
 Suppurative hepatitis

Diagnosis
 Culture & histo of placenta
 IHC of abomasal contents, vaginal discharge, tissues

Question 69

Mycotic Abortion; Agents, Time of Year, Clinical SIgns, Diagnosis

Answer 69

Agent
 Aspergillus
 Mucor
 Rhizopus

Time
 Sporadic abortions
 After wet summer w/ moldy hay

Clinical Signs
 Placentitis w/ thickened placenta
 white erythematous or ringworm like lesions

Diagnosis
 Hyphae from placenta or fetus on histo

Question 70

Neosporosis; Pathogenesis, Clinical Signs, Diagnosis

Answer 70

Pathogenesis
 Ingestion of oocysts and development of tachyzoites in placenta and amniotic fluid ->
 Vertical transmission to heifers ->
 Bradyzoites develop in central nervous system

Clinical Signs
 Resorption and mummification of fetus possible
 Abortion between 4 and 7 months of pregnancy
 Placentitis
 Autolyzed fetus w/ no gross lesions
 Foci of cellular infiltrate in the brain, Non-suppurative epicarditis, myocarditis, myositis, Portal hepatitis on histo

Diagnosis
 IFA of fetal fluid
 Parasite ID w/ IHC or PCR

Question 71

BVD; Different Symptoms at Different Times in Pregnancy

Answer 71

Days 0-42
 Infertility or early embryonic death

Days 18-125
 persistently infected calves
 Abortion
 Mummification

Defects after 100 days
 Cerebellar hypoplasia
 Retina dysplasia
 Intrauterine growth retardation
 Mandibular bradygnathism
 Hydrancephaly
 Hypomyelinogenesis
 Partial alopecia

Days 125-170
 Abortion possible
 Fetal abnormalities
 Calves born with congenital defects have precolostral serum virus-neutralizing titers to BVDV

Days 170+
 No abortion
 birth of normal appearing calves with pre-colostral antibodies

Question 72

BVD; Diagnosis, Control

Answer 72

Diagnosis
 Aborted fetus submitted for viral isolation
 ID of PI calves w/ IHC, PCR, or ELISA

Control
 Vx

Question 73

Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis; Agents, Clinical Signs, Diagnosis, Control

Answer 73

Agents
 Bovine Herpes
 1.1 & 1.2a cause abortion & resp symptoms
 1.2b causes genital lesions

Clinical Signs
 Fever
 Respiratory signs
 Infertility
 Infectious Pustular vulvoginitis (IPV)
 Infectious balanoposthitis (IBP)
 Abortion storms last half of gestation after respiratory problems
 Abortion 20-52 days post infection
 Focal hepatic necrosis of fetus
 Placentitis

Diagnosis
 Viral isolation from fetal tissue via FA or IHC

Control
 Vx

Question 74

Types of Fetal Membrane Hydrops

Answer 74

o Cow looks severely bloated
o Hydrallantois
o Hydramnios

Question 75

Fetal Mummification; Clinical Signs, Treatment

Answer 75

Clinical Signs
 Overdue fetus
 Found as mass or bony structure on transrectal palpation

Treatment
 PGF2-alpha?
 Surgical removal

Question 76

Fetal Maceration; What, Clinical Signs

Answer 76

Death of fetus contaminates uterus and cow fails to expell

 Persistent abnormal vaginal discharge
 Infertility

Question 77

Beef Production Efficiency; Definition, Components

Answer 77

o number of pounds/kg of marketable beef produced per year per cow

Components
 Pregnancy rates
 Calving rates
 Weaning rate (calf losses)
 Weaning weight

Question 78

Beef Heifers; Age at first calving, Age at conception, Distribution of calving for heifers, Breeding season Length

Answer 78

Age at first calving
 24 months

Age at conception
 13-15 months (65% of estimated mature weight)

Distribution of calving for heifers
 90% of heifers should conceive in the first cycle

Breeding season
 42 days

Question 79

Beef Cows; Calving Interval, Distribution of calving , Breeding season Length

Answer 79

Caving interval
 12 months
 Must conceive by 100 days postpartum

Breeding season length
 63 days

Distribution of calving for cows
 65-70% should conceive in the first cycle
 Pregnancy rate: >95%
 Pregnancy loss rate <5%
 Calving rate >85%
 Calf loss <2%

Question 80

Beef; Winter Vs Spring Vs Fall Calving

Answer 80

Winter
 Calves are older at time of sale
 Older, bigger breeding bulls for sale
 No mud at calving time
 risk of cold exposure to neonates
 Increased cost of feeding
 More problems with postpartum anestrus
 Market prices for commercial calves may be low

Spring
 Good weather conditions
* Low cost of nutrition
* Early resumption of cyclicity
* Calves sold before winter
* Calving area muddy
* Breeding occurs during the hottest period of the year
* Market prices for commercial calves low

Fall
* Good weather conditions
* Cows calve in excellent body condition
* Early resumption of cyclicity
* Breeding occurs before hot season
* Calves sold at high prices
* Increased feeding cost for cows and claves during winter
* Breeding occurs during the shorter days of the year
* Calf weights may low in early spring

Question 81

Effects of Repro Tract Scoring on Repro Career in Beef Cows

Answer 81

o Heifers with RTS 1 or 2
o more likely to be in anestrus for first 24 days of breeding season
o Take longer to get pregnant
o Have lower overall pregnancy rate
o Have a shorter productive career

Question 82

Reasons for Poor Pregnancy Rate & Long Calving Period in Beef Cows

Answer 82

Postpartum anestrus
 Effect of suckling (lactation anestrus) -> Low frequency of LH secretion
 Need at least 45 to 50 days to resume cyclicity (longer if first calf heifer)

Relationship between BCS at calving and resumption of cyclicity
 Loss of BCS in the postpartum period increases length of anestrus
 Partial/temporary weaning (48 hours) may help

Nutritional deficiencies
 Copper, Selenium, Zinc, Vit.
 increased risk for long anestrus and early pregnancy loss

Question 83

Trichomoniasis; Agent, Pathophysiology, Clinical Signs, Diagnosis, Prevention

Answer 83

Agent
 Tritrichomonas foetus

Pathophysiology
 Protozoa colonizes the epithelium of the prepuce and penis (mucosal surface)
 No symptoms in bulls

Clinical Signs
 Cervicitis
 Endometritis
 Pyometra
 Salpingitis
 Early pregnancy loss (<3 months) 7 to 9 weeks after infection
 Abortion usually < 5 months (less common)
 Infection cleared in 6-18wks but transmitted to bulls in meantime

Diagnosis
 Culture of preputial scraping, Pyometra fluid, or fetal Abomasal content to ID parasite by PCR or microscopic exam
 IHC placenta and fetal tissue

Prevention
 Purchase virgin bulls and test all bulls
 Vx helps some but not as much as above

Question 84

Campylobacteriosis; Agent, Pathophysiology, Prevention

Answer 84

Agent
 Campylobacter fetus

Pathophysiology
 Confined to the epithelial surface of the glans penis, prepuce and urethra
 Asymptomatic in bulls (Chronic carrier)

Prevention
 VX heifers 2x 3-4wks apart 30d before breeding
 Vx bulls 2x (double dose) 4wks apart then booster before breeding

Question 85

Campylobacteriosis; Clinical Signs in Cows & Fetus, Diagnosis

Answer 85

Clinical Signs in Cows
 Endometritis
 Salpingitis
 Infertility, irregular estrus cycles**
 Early embryonic death
 Placentitis
 Abortion (rarer)

Clinical Signs in Fetus
 Bronchopneumonia
 Pleuritis, peritonitis
 Hepatitis

Diagnosis
 Culture and PCR of Placenta, Cervical mucus, Preputial wash in bulls
 Clark’s medium important for culture

Question 86

Pine Needle Abortion; Toxin, Clinical Signs, Diagnosis, Treatment

Answer 86

Toxin
 Isocupressic acid
 1kg of needles per day for several wks

Clinical Signs
 Early pregnancies are not affected
 Vulvar edema and mucoid bloody vaginal discharge in mid to late term
 Premature delivery, stillbirths, or abortion
 Weak uterine contractions
 Dystocia
 Failure of cervical dilation
 Birth of weak calves

Diagnosis
 tetrahydroagathic acid in fetal thoracic fluid and stomach content

Treatment
 activated charcoal,
 Na thiosulfate

Question 87

Foothill Abortion (Epizootic Bovine Abortion); Etiology, Clinical Signs, Fetal Lesions, Diagnosis, Prevention

Answer 87

Etiology
 CA, NV, OR
 Tick vector

Clinical Signs
 Transplacental intracellular infection between 60 and 140 days
 2 to 3 months progression

Fetal Lesions
 Not autolyzed
 Ascites
 excessive fibrin
 hepatomegaly & splenomegaly
 petechial hemorrhages
 skin lesions
 enlarged lymph nodes
 focal necrotizing lesions
 depletion of cortical thymocytes and macrophage infiltration in the thymus

Diagnosis
 Fetal lesions
 PCR on fetal tissues

Prevention
 Reduce exposure of naïve cattle during the breeding season
 Expose naïve cattle prior to breeding season (natural immunity last 2 to 3 years)

Question 88

Vaginal Prolapse; Factors, Treatment, Post-treatment

Answer 88

Factors
 Genetics (Hereford or Charolais)
 Age / multiple pregnancies
 Intra-abdominal pressure in late pregnancy
 Excess perivaginal fat
 Prior perivaginal injury
 Intake of large volumes of poorly digestible roughage
 Poor vaginal conformation
 Estrogenic influence on relaxation of the perineal area
 Incompetence of the constrictor vestibule and vulvar muscles
 Hypocalcemia

Treatment
 Caudal epidural anesthesia
 Disinfection of the tissue and perineal area
 Evaluation of the tissue for lesions
 Replacement
 Buhner technique closure

Post-treatment Care
 +/- antimicrobials
 anti-inflammatories
 Long term epidural
 Monitor calving

Question 89

Vaginal Prolapse; Grade

Answer 89

Grade I
* Intermittent prolapse of the vaginal mucosa when recumbent

Grade II
* Continuous prolapse of the vaginal mucosa with possible entrapment of the urinary bladder

Grade III:
* Protrusion of the entire vagina and cervix with entrapment of the bladder
* may lead to placentitis

Grade IV
* Chronic complete eversion with severe tissue necrosis of the vaginal mucosa
* can become complicated with peritonitis

Question 90

Arthrogryposis multiplex (curly calf); What is it, Prevention

Answer 90

o Lethal autosomal recessive genetic defect
o Angus breed
o Permanent contracture of the forelimbs and hind limbs
o Abnormal curvature of the spine
o Very small and lack muscle development
o Cleft palate
o Calves are generally stillborn, or die shortly after birth

Prevention
 Must test all bulls
 Male carriers can’t be registered

Question 91

Lupine toxicosis (Crooked calf syndrome); Toxin, Pathogenesis, Clinical Signs, Prevention

Answer 91

Toxin
 Lupine

Pathogenesis
 Ingestion between 40-100d gestation
 Desensitation of skeletal muscle nicotinic acethylcholine receptors
 Reduced fetal movement

Clinical Signs
 Arthrogryposis
 Scoliosis
 Kyphosis
 Cleft palate
 Muscle atrophy

Prevention
 Management of grazing during the susceptible period
 Changing calving season

Question 92

Breeding Soundness Exam of Bulls

Answer 92

Ranked as satisfactory, deferred, or unsatisfactory

Physical examination

Reproductive evaluation
 Scrotal/testicular palpation
 Minimum scrotal circumference
 transrectal palpation

Semen collection and evaluation
 Normal erection and ejaculation
 Minimum sperm motility (need 70% normal sperm)
 Sperm morphology

Testing for venereal diseases is NOT part of the regular BSE but should be encouraged.

Question 93

Young bulls & Breeding Soundness

Answer 93

o Disqualified due to poor sperm morphology or small scrotal circumference
o If pass, allowed to breed 15-25 cows (younger breed less)

Question 94

Persistent Frenulum; Basics & Treatment

Answer 94

o Persistence of the preputial-penile adhesions
o Suspected to be hereditary
o Bulls cannot achieve full erection and exteriorization of the penis
o Treated bulls should be used as terminal sires (should not use to produce males due to hereditary)

Treatment
 Snip & suture

Question 95

Fibropapilloma; Basics, Treatment, Prevention

Answer 95

o “Penile warts”
o Bovine fibropapilloma virus
o Usually, young bulls mounting each other

Treatment
 Surgical excision
 Easy if small and pediculated
 Complicated if large, wide- based
 Treated Bulls should be reexamined 30 days later prior to use for breeding for regrowth

Prevention
 Autologous vaccine made from removed warts

Question 96

Preputial Lacerations; How, Grade, Treatment

Answer 96

o Discrepancy in size between cow and bull
o Breeds w/ pendulous prepuce
o Polled breeds (absence of retractor preputial muscle)

Grade
 I – preputial prolapse, slight/moderate edema
 II – moderate/severe edema, slight necrosis
 III – severe edema, deep laceration, moderate necrosis, fibrosis
 IV – severe edema, deep lacerations, deep necrosis, fibrosis, and often abscess

Treatment
 Medical management (I & maybe II)
 Circumcision - Closure of preputial epithelium, preputial skin and placement of penrose tube over the free portion of the penis
 Preputial amputation

Question 97

Penile Hematoma (Broken Penis); Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, Complications

Answer 97

Pathogenesis
 Breeding injury
 Rupture of the tunica albuginea
 Extravasation of blood from the corpus cavernosum penis
 Dorsum of the penis on the distal bend of the sigmoid flexure

Diagnosis
 site of lesion
 ultrasonography

Complications
 Preputial prolapse
 Adhesions
 Abscess

Question 98

Penile Hematoma (Broken Penis); Treatment

Answer 98

Conservative
* Must be less than 20cm
* Broad spectrum antibiotics
* Hydrotherapy
* Sexual rest for 60d at least
* 60-70% of bulls return to breeding without surgery

Surgery
* Best 5 to 7 days after accident
* Removal of the blood clot and repair of the rent
* Sexual rest: 60-90 days
* 75% of bulls recover and return to breeding if surgery is performed w/in first week

Question 99

Spiral Deviation of the Penis; When is it normal/abnormal

Answer 99

o Normal inside vagina at time of ejaculation
o Normal during electroejaculation
o ABNORMAL if seen during erection before entering vagina

Question 100

Vesicular Adenitis (seminal vesiculitis); Basics, Agents, Risk Factors

Answer 100

o Most common accessory sex glands disorders in bulls
o Young > older
o Primarily hematogenous

Agents
 Brucella abortus,
 Trueperella pyogenes,
 Histophilus somni,
 IBR,
 enterovirus

Risk factors:
 Age
 high energy ration, acidosis
 other infections

Question 101

Vesicular Adenitis (seminal vesiculitis); Clinical Signs

Answer 101

Acute
* Enlarged gland
* Painful on palpation
* Lameness +/-
* Abdominal pain

Chronic
* Adhesions,
* abscess,
* fistulation tract draining in rectum

Question 102

Vesicular Adenitis (seminal vesiculitis); Effect on Ejaculate, Treatment

Answer 102

Effect on Ejaculate
 Presence of pus or blood
 Sedimentation
 Presence of neutrophils in semen (1 per 3 high power x1000 fields)
 Poor motility due to inflammatory cytokines
 Increased detached heads

Treatment
 Spontaneous recovery possible in young bulls < 2 years
 Older bulls have poor prognosis for recovery
 Tulathromycin
 Tilmicosin
 Cull if > 9year

Question 103

Look at Bull slides for pictures of Testicular Asymmetry

Answer 103

o Testicular atrophy
o Seminoma
o Inguinal hernia

Question 104

GnRH & Analogues; What is it, Function, Indications

Answer 104

o Neuropeptide produced in Hypothalamus

Function:
 Stimulates FSH and LH release

Indications
 Induction of ovulation
 Induction of follicular growth

Question 105

Progesterone; What is it, Function, Indications, Available Forms

Answer 105

o Steroid produced by Corpus luteum

Function
 Inhibit LH surge
 Maintenance of pregnancy

Indications
 Synchronization of follicular waves

Available forms
 Progesterone
 Megestrol acetate

Question 106

PGF2-alpha & Analogues; What is it, Indications, Available Forms

Answer 106

o derivative of arachidonic acid producd by Endometrium

Indication
 Luteolysis

Available forms
 Natural: Dinoprost tromethamine
 Synthetic: Cloprostenol

Question 107

Methods to Improve Heat/Estrus Detection

Answer 107

PGF2α and analogues
 1 injection + heat detection and AI
 2 injections 11 to 14 days apart: Heat detection and AI

Controlled Internal Drug Releasing Device (CIDR)
 Insertion for 7 days ->
 1 day prior to removal administer PGF2α ->
 heat detection and AI

Question 108

PGF2α or analogues for bypassing estrus (heat) detection; Method, Physiology

Answer 108

Method
 2 injections of PGF2α 11-14 days apart ->
 AI at 80 hours or 72 and 96 hours after the second injection

Physiology
 Injection of PGF2alpha during luteal phase ->
 regression of CL ->
 estrus in 2-5d

Question 109

Ovsynch for bypassing estrus (heat) detection; Methods

Answer 109

Basic Method
 Day 0: GnRH – induce ovulation or induce luteinization
 Day 7: PGF2α – lyses CL or luteinized follicle
 Day 9: GnRH – induce ovulation of mature follicles
 AI 8 to 16 hours after second GnRH

Presynch-Ovsynch Method
 give PGF2alpha 14 & 10 days prior to day 0

Double Ovsynch Method
 GnRH 17 days prior ->
 PGF2 14 days prior ->
 GnRH 7 days prior to day 0

Question 110

CIDR + Ovsynch for bypassing estrus (heat) detection; Method

Answer 110

 Day 0: CIDR placement + GnRH
 Day 7: CIDR removal + PGF2α
 Day 9: GnRH
 12 hours later: AI