FPT/sepsis Flashcards
When should colostrum first be given to a calf?
Within the first 6 hours
How much IgG do calves need to ingest for adequate passive transfer?
150-200 grams (3-4L)
Is it good practice to pool colostrum?
No
Can you tell visually if colostrum is good?
No
What is the gold standard test for passive transfer in calves?
Radial immunodiffusion- however, time consuming and impractical
What are the tests for passive transfer in calves?
Serum total protein (refractometer), sodium sulfite turbidity test, zinc sulfate turbidity test, GGT, whole blood glutaraldehyde clot test
If you identify a calf with failure of passive transfer, at what point is it too late to feed them more colostrum?
After 24 hours- gut has probably already closed
How should failure of passive transfer be treated after gut closure?
IV or intraperitoneal immunoglobulin administration (serum, plasma, whole blood)
Can also practice benign neglect
What is the most prevalent immunoglobulin in colostrum?
IgG 1
What are the sequelae of FPT?
Septicemia, hypoglycemia, hypothermia, acidosis, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, suffocation
What are common entry routes for bacteria causing septicemia in calves?
GI system, respiratory system, umbilicus
What type of bacteria tend to cause septicemia?
Gram negative pathogens- E coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Klebsiella, (also Staphylococcus)
What conditions do older calves with septicemia develop?
Septic joints and physis, endocarditis, pneumonia, meningitis
What are clinical signs of septicemia?
Altered mentation, decreased suckling ability, abnormal body temperature, tachycardia/tachypnea, hyperemia, dehydration, hypotension
What age group most commonly develops septicemia?
2-6 days old
What initial diagnostics should be performed in a calf you suspect has sepsis?
PCV, total solids, BG, lactate, blood gas, USG, thoracic and abdominal U/S
How is septicemia diagnosed?
Blood culture- 2 samples 60 minutes apart taken from the jugular, interpret negative result with caution, perform prior to antibiotic therapy
What bloodwork changes are consistent with septicemia?
Neutrophilia or neutropenia, left shift, degenerative changes, elevated fibrinogen, hypoglycemia, metabolic acidosis, hypoproteinemia
How is sepsis treated?
Control the infection and manage inflammatory response- NSAIDs, supportive care (plasma, IVF with dextrose, oxygen, parenteral nutrition), antimicrobials (3rd or 4th gen cephalosporins, ampicillin, penicillin, or florfenicol)
What clinical signs are associated with septic arthritis?
Lameness and non-weight bearing, clinical signs with primary foci of sepsis
What signs can Mycoplasma sepsis cause?
Polyarthritis, fevers, respiratory disease, neurological signs
How is septic arthritis or polyarthritis diagnosed?
Radiographs with bone lysis (lags 10-14d behind disease), hyperechogenic synovial fluid on U/S, bacteria and high TP on arthrocentesis
How is septic arthritis/polyarthritis treated?
Joint lavage, systemic and local antibiotics, arthrotomy, regional limb perfusions
Prognosis poor if physitis present
Describe meningitis
Manifests as lethargy, failure to nurse, fever, extended head/neck, depression, seizures, diagnose with CSF, high mortality rate, can use 3rd or 4th gen cephalosporins or ampicillin or fluroquinolones to attempt to treat
What are the clinical signs of omphalitis?
Large, painful, moist umbilicus +/- purulent discharge, dysuria and pollakiuria, systemic disease
How is omphalitis diagnosed?
Abdominal palpation and ultrasound
How is omphalitis treated?
Antibiotics, lance and drain any abscess +/- surgical resection
