Sudden Death in Youngstock Flashcards
What are the causes of sudden death in youngstock?
Electrocution, frothy bloat, clostridia (backleg, bacillary haemoglobinuria, Clostridium sordelli), white muscle disease, rhodedendron poisoning, yew poisoning
Describe the presentation and clinical signs of electrocution
Can present as single or multiple cases
May/not be in contact with wires
Youngstock more at risk as more inquisitive
CS - singe marks, capilary congestion, ingesta in mouth, normal rumen content, bloat
What are the differentials for electrocution?
Frothy bloat
Describe the pathogenesis of frothy bloat
Due to excessive legume consumption
Stable foam isproduced which blocks the oesophagus and prevents eructation
Seen at pasture
HOw is frothy bloat diagnosed?
CS, hx, PM
How is frothy bloat treated?
ST
Trochar (if can’t pass ST)
Antifoaming agent - Simethicone (Birp, Dechra)
Change feed management
Describe the pathogenesis of blackleg
Clostridium chauvoei - large, anaerobic gram +ve rod
Ubiquitous in environment
Ingested, spores circulate in blood to anaerobic area e.g. bruise
Low O2 tension = spore germination and release of toxin
Muscle within the fascia is digested, toxin diffuses out of muscle
What are the clinical signs of blackleg?
Rapid onset then death Severe depression Anorexia Tachycardia Tachypnoea Ruminal stasis V lame Hot, painful, swollen muscle Convulsions
What are the ddx for blackleg and how is it diagnosed?
Staggers if see convulsions
PM - blackened muscle, subcutaneous oedema, classic sour odour
How is blackleg treated?
Penicillin Clinical case - sodium benzylpenicillin IV BID, high dose In contacts - LA penicillin Vaccinate to prevent Rarely recover
Describe the pathogenesis of Clostridum sordelli
Sporadic
Causes abomasitis/enteritis
Sudden death
Describe the pathogenesis of bacillary haemoglobinuria
Clostridium haemolyticum
IN western areas, associated with fluke
Fluke cause an anaerobic environment in the liver
Sporadic
What are the clinical signs of bacillary haemoglobinuria?
Haemoglobinuria
Jaundice
Hepatitis
Death
How can clostridial disease be prevented?
Vaccination
Describe the pathogenesis of white muscle disease
Se/vit E deficiency
Well grown beasts just after turnout (spring grass low in vit E)
Good muscle mass = more active = more generation of free radicals and muscle damage
What are the clinical signs, ddx and treatment for WMD?
CS - sudden death wehn cardiac muscle affected, lame, stiff
Ddx - tetanus
Tx - supplement injection
Describe the pathogenesis of rhododendron poisoning
Leaves contain andromedotoxin
Winter - snow cover causes decreased grass availability and branches are more reachable
Stimulates receptors in rumen to cause v+
What are the clinical signs of rhododendron poisoning?
Projectile v+ Intense abdominal pain Ataxia Anorexia Convulsions, trembling, collapse Death
How is rhododendron poisoning treated?
Astringents/tannins
Describe the pathogensis of yew poisoning
All parts of the tree except flesh of the fruit are poisonous
Leaves are toxic in small amounts
What are the clinical sings of yew poisoning?
Sudden death Onset variable - hrs to days Excitation Agitation Tympany Depression
How is yew poinsoning treated?
Gastotomy
Symptomatic tannins
