Melena SDL

Question 1

What is the most common differential for melena in cattle

Answer 1

Abomasal ulcers

Question 2

Give 4 other differentials for melaena in cattle

Answer 2

Toxicity
Liver abscesses (due to secondary lung abscessation)
Intussusception
Enteritis

Question 3

Describe how to diagnose abomasal ulcers in cattle

Answer 3

Melena is very characteristic
Ultrasound- variable results
PCV- determine haemorrhage
Abdominocentesis - if ulcerated

Question 4

what test can be performed to confirm melena

Answer 4

occult blood test

Question 5

Describe the classification system for abomasal ulcers

Answer 5

Type 1= An erosion or ulcer without haemorrhage
Type 2= Haemorrhagic
Type 3= Perforated with acute localized peritonitis
Type 4= Perforated with acute diffuse peritonitis
Type 5= Perforated with peritonitis with the omental bursa

Question 6

What is the problem with the abomasal ulcer scoring system?

Answer 6

Very difficult to assess via examination
really needs necropsy

Question 7

List the risks of perforated ulcers

Answer 7

peritonitis
Bacteraemia
Ascites
Sepsis

Question 8

What is the main risk factor for abomasal ulcers in adult cows?

Answer 8

High energy acidic diets (concentrated)

High yielding dairy cows (particularly in the first 4-6 weeks of lactation and in dry period)

Question 9

Describe how abomasal ulcers treated

Answer 9

MOST important= get animal to eat- remove excess concentrates, increase fibre

if perforated - surgical treatment
fluid therapy
Iron supplement
antibiotics (peritonitis)

Question 10

what medications are contraindicated in abomasal ulcers

Answer 10

NSAIDs

Question 11

Give 4 main risk factors for abomasal ulcers in pre-weaned calves

Answer 11

NSAID use
Concurrent disease (salmonella, clostridial perfringens)
Stress
Feeding course roughage to veal calves,