Common Diseases �of Dairy Cattle

• Calving Disorders

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• Early Lactation Pitfalls

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• Everyday Problems

Calving Disorders �

• Dystocia
• Paralysis
• Prolapsed Uterus
• Retained Placenta
• Metritis
• Milk fever

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Calving Disorders�Dystocia �

• What

Difficulty with calving

• When

No progress after calf in the birth canal

• Why

Calf not presented properly

Large calf

Twins

Milk fever

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Calving Disorders�Dystocia �

• Diagnosis

Vaginal Exam

Must recognize proper presentations

Front- 2 front legs, head

Rear- 2 rear legs

“Spine to spine”

ALWAYS clean before examination

Calving Disorders�Dystocia �

• Treatment

Assisted pulling

Correct problems in presentation

Consider veterinary help-especially if something feels unusual

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Calving Disorders�Dystocia �

• Prevention

Breed heifers of proper size

Calving ease bulls

Frequent observation- better to check cow and ask for unecessary help than have a dead cow

Always check for second calf

Calving Disorders�Calving Paralysis �

• What

Cow has nerve and muscle damage from trauma of calving

• When

After calf is pulled

• Why

Calf not presented properly

Large calf

Calving too long a time periuod

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Calving Disorders�Calving Paralysis �

• Diagnosis

History of hard calving

Cow is usually alert, eating, drinking

Normal temperature

Be careful of more serious problems

• Treatment

Tincture of time

Lifting

Anti-inflammatory agents

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Treatment

Calving Disorders�Calving Paralysis

• Prevention

Avoid dystocias

Know when to call veterinarian

Usually if hadn’t made any progress in 30 minutes of assistance

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Calving Disorders�Prolapsed Uterus �

• What

Cow has pushed uterus outside body- “inside out”

• When

After calf is pulled out

• Why

Dystocia

Large calf

Milk Fever

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Calving Disorders�Prolapsed Uterus �

• Diagnosis

Usually within hours after calving

Uterus laying on ground behind cow

• Treatment

Call veterinarian immediately

Provide clean area, feedsacks, sheets to help lift uterus

Antibacterials

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Calving Disorders�Prolapsed Uterus

• Prevention

Avoid dystocias

Treat milk fevers promptly

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Calving Disorders�Retained Placenta �

• What

Cow has fetal membranes still attached to uterus-partly outside the cow

• When

After calving- at least 12 hours later

• Why

Dystocia

Milk Fever

Twins

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Retained Fetal Membranes�What is Normal?

• 50 Citations in Literature from 1979 �to 1995
• Lactational Incidence Rates Ranged �from 1.3% to 39.2%
• Median LIR was 8.6%

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Kelton, et al., 1998. JDS 81:2502

Calving Disorders�Retained Uterus �

• Diagnosis

“Cow didn’t clean”

Wait 12 hours after calving

• Treatment

Nothing - if metritis isn’t present

Remove suspended membranes

Lutalyse- consult veterinarian

Calving Disorders�Retained Placenta

• Prevention

Avoid dystocias

Prevent milk fever

Well balanced dry cow rations

ECP- consult veterinarian

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Calving Disorders�Metritis �

• What

An infection of the uterus that has actually invaded into tissue

• When

Usually observed within 2 weeks after calving

• Why

Dystocia

Twins

Retained placenta

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Metritis�What is Normal?

• 43 Citations in Literature from 1979 �to 1995
• Lactational Incidence Rate Ranged �from 2.2% to 37.3%
• Median LIR was 10.1%

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Kelton, et al., 1998. JDS 81:2502

Calving Disorders�Metritis �

• Diagnosis

Vaginal discharge - foul smelling

Cow may have fever, off feed

• Treatment

More severe cases require antibacterials

Lutalyse

Consult veterinarian for protocol

Calving Disorders�Metritis

• Prevention

Avoid dystocias

Prevent milk fever

Well balanced dry cow rations

Prevent retained placentas

PHYSICAL EXAMS of cows for 7 to 10 days after calving

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Calving Disorders�Milk Fever �

• What

Hypocalcemia- low calcium in blood

• When

Usually observed within 2 days after calving-can occur before calving

• Why

Cows 3rd lactation or greater

Rapid synthesis of milk into udder, drains calcium from blood

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Serum Calcium Levels at Parturition

Goff, 1999. DHM 36(11):29

Milk Fever�What is Normal?

• 33 Citations in Literature from 1979�to 1995
• Lactational Incidence Rates Ranged �from 0.03% to 22.3%
• Median LIR was 6.5%

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Kelton, et al., 1998. JDS 81:2502

Calving Disorders�Milk Fever �

• Diagnosis

No fever- or low body temperature

Cow down- early may be staggering

Off feed, no manure

Glazed eyes, “S” bend in neck

Be careful of other problems

• Treatment

Calcium IV, subcutaneous

Must be careful of overdosing

Calving Disorders�Milk Fever

• Prevention

Early detection while cow still standing

Well balanced ration, especially before calving

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Common Diseases �of Dairy Cattle

• Calving Disorders

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• Early Lactation Pitfalls

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• Everyday Problems

Early Lactation Pitfalls�Displaced Abomasum �

• What

Abomasum in wrong place of abdomen- “DA”

• When

Usually within 60 days after calving-can occur anytime

• Why

Cows that go off feed

Any previous health problem

LDA�What is Normal?

• 22 Citations in Literature from 1979 �to 1995
• Lactational Incidence Rate Ranged �from 0.3% to 6.3%
• Median LIR was 1.7%

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Kelton, et al., 1998. JDS 81:2502

Early Lactation Pitfalls�Displaced Abomasum �

• Diagnosis

“Ping” heard on side of abdomen

Off feed

Ketosis

• Treatment

Surgery

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Early Lactation Pitfalls�Displaced Abomasum �

• Prevention

Balanced ration with fiber

Balanced ration for transition cows

Prevent causes of cows going off-feed

Early Lactation Pitfalls�Ketosis�

• What

Cow in low energy balance

Burns off fat so fast creates “ketones” in blood

• When

Usually within 30 days after calving

• Why

Low body condition

Any other cause for going off-feed

Ketosis�What is Normal?

• 36 Citations in Literature from 1979 �to 1995
• Lactational Incidence Rate Ranged �from 1.3% to 18.3%
• Median LIR was 4.8%

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Kelton, et al., 1998. JDS 81:2502

Early Lactation Pitfalls�Ketosis �

• Diagnosis

“Smell” of acetone on breath

Keto-stick turns purple in urine

Off feed

• Treatment

Dextrose IV

Propylene glycol drench

Glucocorticoids

Consult veterinarian for protocol

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Early Lactation Pitfalls�Ketosis �

• Prevention

Balanced ration for all stages of lactation cycle- including dry cows

Maintain proper body condition for all stages of lactation cycle

Prevent other diseases

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Early Lactation Pitfalls�Other Diseases�

• Rumen acidosis
• Abomasal Ulcers
• Fatty Liver

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• All require veterinary assistance in diagnosis/prevention

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Common Diseases �of Dairy Cattle

• Calving Disorders

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• Early Lactation Pitfalls

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• Everyday Problems

Everday Problems�Mastitis �

• What

Infection of the udder

Most likely to treat clinical mastitis

Can be mild to severe

• When

Usually lactating cows

• Why

Poor milking technique

Unclean cow housing

Clinical Mastitis�What is Normal?

• 62 Citations in Literature from 1979 �to 1995
• Lactational Incidence Rate Ranged �from 1.7% to 54.6%
• Median LIR was 14.2%

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• Michigan study suggested 1-2 % of cows each month is a good goal

Kelton, et al., 1998. JDS 81:2502

Everyday Problems �Mastitis �

• Diagnosis

Abnormal milk

Swollen quarter

Cow may be off feed, fever

Off feed

• Treatment

Consult veterinarian

Antibacterials

Supportive care

Everyday Problems �Mastitis �

• Prevention

Important to keep records

Culture of milk samples

Proper milking technique

Maintain clean, dry, comfortable cows

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Everday Problems�Pneumonia �

• What

Infection of the respiratory tract-lungs

• When

Anytime

Usually after new arrivals

Rapid weather changes

• Why

Lack of immunity (vaccination)

Poor ventilation/housing

Everyday Problems �Pneumonia �

• Diagnosis

Fever

Labored breathing/sounds

Depression

Off feed

• Treatment

Consult veterinarian

Antibacterials

Supportive care

Everyday Problems �Pneumonia �

• Prevention

Important to keep records

Vaccination program

Biosecurity program

Maintain well-ventilated, dry housing

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Everday Problems�Lameness �

• What

Infection or injury of feet or legs

• When

Anytime

• Why

Foot rot

Heel warts

Punctures

Rumen acidosis/laminitis “founder”

Everyday Problems �Lameness �

• Diagnosis

Cow with limp

Standing / walking with “humped back”

Must examine foot

• Treatment

Consult veterinarian-antibacterials

Foot trimming/bandages

Everyday Problems �Lameness �

• Prevention

Regular foot trimming

Foot baths

Well designed stalls for cows

Well balanced rations

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Everday Problems�Enteritis �

• What

Infection of intestinal tract

Can be acute (winter dysentery) or

Chronic (Johne’s)

• When

Anytime

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Everday Problems�Enteritis �

• Why

Feed changes

Salmonella

Winter dysentery

Parasites (younger animals)

BVD

Johne’s disease

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Everyday Problems �Enteritis �

• Diagnosis

Off feed

Diarrhea

Weight loss

Blood or fecal tests

• Treatment

Consult veterinarian-

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Everyday Problems �Enteritis �

• Prevention

Vaccination (BVD)

Strict biosecurity

Sanitation

Clean feed handling

Separatiuon of calves from cows

Culling

Gradual feed changes

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Everday Problems�Hardware �

• What

Foreign object (metal) in digestive tract

• When

Anytime

• Why

Cows swallow nails, wire

Causes punctures in digestive tract

Liver abcesses

Heart damage

Everyday Problems �Hardware �

• Diagnosis

Off feed

Often normal to dry manure

Arched back

Usually no fever

Diarrhea

• Treatment

Consult veterinarian-antibacterials

Magnet

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Everyday Problems �Hardware �

• Prevention

Careful of needles, tools, wire, nails around farm

Magnets to all heifers?

Goals and Objectives of 100-Day Contract

• Protect Fresh Cows from Pathogens �via Sanitation and Vaccination
• “Temp” All Fresh Cows Daily for 10 Days Post-Calving and Treat Appropriately
• Use ECP^® Sterile Solution on Problem Cows to Keep Uterus Sensitive to Oxytocin
• Prevent Toxic Metritis

Fresh Period

Goals and Objectives of 100-Day Contract

• Keep Cows on Feed Following Calving
• Early Identification Problems
• Day One if Possible
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures
• Return to Positive Energy Balance by 45 Days in Milk

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Fresh Period

Components of �100-Day Contract

• Clean Calving Environment
• Third Upjohn J-5 Bacterin within Two Weeks of Calving
• Body Condition Score at Calving
• Daily Monitoring of Each Cow for First 10 Days after Calving
• Administer Supportive Therapy as Needed

Fresh Period

10 Day Postpartum Monitoring Program

• Involves evaluating each fresh cow every day for 10 days.
• Observe Attitude of Cow
• Rectal temperature (>103.0°F.)
• Sick, “Off feed”
• Ketosis
• Displaced Abomasum
• Physical exam for other diseases

10 Day Postpartum Monitoring Program

• Practical approach to managing uterine health with 2 major goals:
• Maximize potential milk yield by keeping cows “on feed” (pick up and diagnose problems early!)
• Aid future reproduction by stimulating rapid uterine involution

Dr. Lynn Upham, Bovine Proceedings, September, 1996

Fresh Cow �Monitoring System�Flow Chart

Normal

Normal

1) 10 Day PP Monitoring

Fever

Sick/"Off Feed"

Normal

"Abnormal"

1) 10 Day PP Monitoring

2) ECP^® Sterile Solution, 2 cc. IM

3) LUTALYSE^® Sterile Solution, � 1 ds. (14-28 days PP)

Fresh Cow

Fever

Sick/"Off Feed"

“Abnormal” Fresh Cow

• Assisted Calving - If chains/baling twine are used or if vulva is entered.
• Twins
• Dead Calves
• Milk Fever
• Retained Placenta

Fresh Cow �Program

No treatment

Antibiotic �ECP^® (4 mg - if not� given day one)

PREDEF^® 2X (20 mg once)

Supportive Rx as needed

PREDEF^® 2X (20 mg once)

Supportive Rx �as needed

Normal

Fever +/- Off-feed

Off-feed; no fever

Day One �Problem Cows�ECP^® (4 mg once)

10-Day Evaluation�Temperature and�Physical Exam

LUTALYSE^®�Clean-Up�Day 14-21

LUTALYSE^®�Clean-Up�Day 14-21

Why ?

ECP^® (Estradiol cypionate) -- day one

• Very low dose (4mg)
• Effects last 5-7 days
• Keeps uterus sensitive to oxytocin
• Improved neutrophil function ?

ECP^® (estradiol cypionate)

• All “abnormal” cows receive 2 cc IM as soon as possible after calving.
• Purpose:
• Increases uterine contractions; keeps the uterus “sensitive” to oxytocin
• Increases uterine blood supply
• Activates neutrophils
• When:
• Early postpartum
• May repeat in seven days
• Do not use after 14 days

Why?

Temperature monitoring

• GLA thermometers
• Early warning
• More effective treatment
• Improved Animal Welfare!

Why?

Antibiotic Treatment

• Broad-spectrum systemic
• Fever of unknown origin
• Treating metritis

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What Can We Give These Cows Day One to Keep Them From Becoming Toxic Metritis Day 5-10 ?

Calcium ?

Oxytocin ?

Estrogens ?

Antibiotics ?

Parasite Control

Parasite

Is an organism that makes its living at the expense of another

Parasite Control

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Ectoparasites

Flies, lice, ticks

Endoparasites

Nematodes (worms)

Protozoans (coccidia, cryptosporidia)

Parasite Control

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Ectoparasites (Flies, lice, ticks)

Can cause loss of production

More important as carriers (vectors) of disease

• Pink eye, Lyme disease, blue tongue, anaplasmosis

Control by topical insectisides

• Eprinex, Ivomec (not for lactating cows)

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Parasite Control

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Endoparasites- Nematodes

Most critical for younger animals

Have to be ingested from pasture

Most infective during warm, wet weather

Can cause weight loss

Control by deworming at strategic times of year- summer, fall

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Parasite Control

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Endoparasites- Protozoans

Most critical for younger animals

Have to be ingested from contaminated feed, feeders, bedding

Can cause weight loss-severe diarrhea

Control by cleaning feeding equipment

Coccidiostats in feed , e.g. ionophores for heifers > 3 mos of age

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