Lameness in calves

Question 1

what is a primary risk factor of septic arthritis in calves <3 weeks old

Answer 1

Failure of passive transfer

Question 2

List 3 potential causes of septic arthritis in calves >3weeks old

Answer 2

1. penetrating wounds - T. pyogenese commonly isolated
2. mycoplasma bovis
3. circulating bacteraemia- intestinal/ respiratory origin

Question 3

Describe how to diagnose septic arthritis in calves

Answer 3

Generally clinical exam and history
arthrocentesis- rarely done

Question 3

List the common signs of septic arthritis

Answer 3

pain –> lameness
affected joints painful and hot to touch
joint swelling variable
general signs variably present- e.g. pyrexia, inappetence, weight loss

Question 4

which joints are most commonly affected by septic arthritis

Answer 4

Hock, stifle and carpus most commonly affected

young calves = multiple joints
Older calves= single joint

Question 5

what will you see on arthrocentesis with septic arthritis

Answer 5

high numbers of neutrophils
will be turbid, yellow and may be purulent

Question 6

Describe how to treat septic arthritis in calves

Answer 6

NSAIDs
ABs- penicillin/ oxytet/ TMPS- 3 week course
Joint lavage - in acute stages
supportive care

Question 7

Describe the through and through technique of joint lavage

Answer 7

surgical prep and use local
place 16-18G needles on each side of affected joint
inject lavage into one needle will come out the other
flush till nearly clear (at least 250ml in calves)

Question 8

What causes white muscle disease

Answer 8

occurs when dams diet is insufficient in Vitamin E/selenium

Question 9

when does white muscle disease generally occur

Answer 9

Young, fast growing animals- Calves < 6 months most often affected
Often following sudden expectation of exercise

Question 10

List the clinical signs of white muscle disease

Answer 10

Recumbency and difficulty standing
Stiff, trembling legs. Weakness elsewhere (e.g. neck)
May rotate distal hindlimbs from hocks if able to walk
Gluteal, shoulder and dorso-lumbar musculature palpably enlarged and firm

Question 11

Describe how to diagnose white muscle disease

Answer 11

clincal exam and history
clinpath
Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px)- preferred test

Question 12

Decsribe how to treat white muscle disease

Answer 12

Vitamin E/ Selenium- single dose generally enough
NSAIDs as needed

Question 13

Describe how to prevent white muscle disease

Answer 13

Ensure adequate selenium intake of dams during late pregnancy
Provide supplementation to dams if deficient pastures
Can also supplement calves

Question 14

Describe how to apply cast to calf

Answer 14

carefully pad bony prominences and place cotton wool between claws
Cast limb in a neutral position starting at fracture site
use to 6-8 layers of casting material for calves <150kg

Question 15

Describe after care of calf after fracture

Answer 15

keep in small well bedded pen for 6-8 weeks
check everyday for sudden altered growth–> remove cast and assess
replace cast every 3-4 weeks

calf should weight bear fully within a few days of casting

Question 16

Describe how to treat contracted tendons in calves

Answer 16

mild cases –> exercise and encourage weight bearing
more severe cases –> splint or cast
oxytetracycline???