Sudden Death in Youngstock

Question 1

What are the causes of sudden death in youngstock?

Answer 1

Electrocution, frothy bloat, clostridia (backleg, bacillary haemoglobinuria, Clostridium sordelli), white muscle disease, rhodedendron poisoning, yew poisoning

Question 2

Describe the presentation and clinical signs of electrocution

Answer 2

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

Question 3

What are the differentials for electrocution?

Answer 3

Frothy bloat

Question 4

Describe the pathogenesis of frothy bloat

Answer 4

Due to excessive legume consumption
Stable foam isproduced which blocks the oesophagus and prevents eructation
Seen at pasture

Question 5

HOw is frothy bloat diagnosed?

Answer 5

CS, hx, PM

Question 6

How is frothy bloat treated?

Answer 6

ST
Trochar (if can’t pass ST)
Antifoaming agent - Simethicone (Birp, Dechra)
Change feed management

Question 7

Describe the pathogenesis of blackleg

Answer 7

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

Question 8

What are the clinical signs of blackleg?

Answer 8

Rapid onset then death
Severe depression
Anorexia
Tachycardia
Tachypnoea
Ruminal stasis
V lame
Hot, painful, swollen muscle
Convulsions

Question 9

What are the ddx for blackleg and how is it diagnosed?

Answer 9

Staggers if see convulsions

PM - blackened muscle, subcutaneous oedema, classic sour odour

Question 10

How is blackleg treated?

Answer 10

Penicillin
Clinical case - sodium benzylpenicillin IV BID, high dose
In contacts - LA penicillin
Vaccinate to prevent 
Rarely recover

Question 11

Describe the pathogenesis of Clostridum sordelli

Answer 11

Sporadic
Causes abomasitis/enteritis
Sudden death

Question 12

Describe the pathogenesis of bacillary haemoglobinuria

Answer 12

Clostridium haemolyticum
IN western areas, associated with fluke
Fluke cause an anaerobic environment in the liver
Sporadic

Question 13

What are the clinical signs of bacillary haemoglobinuria?

Answer 13

Haemoglobinuria
Jaundice
Hepatitis
Death

Question 14

How can clostridial disease be prevented?

Answer 14

Vaccination

Question 15

Describe the pathogenesis of white muscle disease

Answer 15

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

Question 16

What are the clinical signs, ddx and treatment for WMD?

Answer 16

CS - sudden death wehn cardiac muscle affected, lame, stiff
Ddx - tetanus
Tx - supplement injection

Question 17

Describe the pathogenesis of rhododendron poisoning

Answer 17

Leaves contain andromedotoxin
Winter - snow cover causes decreased grass availability and branches are more reachable
Stimulates receptors in rumen to cause v+

Question 18

What are the clinical signs of rhododendron poisoning?

Answer 18

Projectile v+
Intense abdominal pain
Ataxia
Anorexia
Convulsions, trembling, collapse
Death

Question 19

How is rhododendron poisoning treated?

Answer 19

Astringents/tannins

Question 20

Describe the pathogensis of yew poisoning

Answer 20

All parts of the tree except flesh of the fruit are poisonous
Leaves are toxic in small amounts

Question 21

What are the clinical sings of yew poisoning?

Answer 21

Sudden death
Onset variable - hrs to days
Excitation
Agitation
Tympany
Depression

Question 22

How is yew poinsoning treated?

Answer 22

Gastotomy

Symptomatic tannins