Large Animal Medicine > Ruminant GI Disease, Pt. 2 > Flashcards

Ruminant GI Disease, Pt. 2 Flashcards

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1
Q

What are the 2 general types of bloat? What are the major etiologies?

A
  1. free gas
  2. frothy
  • diets high in soluble proteins, like alfalfa, clover, and winter wheat, cause bubbles to develop
  • feedlot diets high in grain increase mucinolytic and slime bacteria, which also cause bubbles to develop and frothy bloat
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2
Q

What causes free gas bloat? What are some examples?

A

anything that disrupts or prevents eructation

  • lack of rumen motility
  • positional
  • blockage of the esophagus
  • disruption of the vagus nerve - abscesses, hardware, cancer, enlarged LNs
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3
Q

How is bloat diagnosed?

A

pass a tube

  • gas released = gas bloat
  • no gas released = small bloat, frothy bloat
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4
Q

What farm animal commonly looks bloated?

A

pigmy/dwarf goat breeds –> normal conformation

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5
Q

What clinical signs are associated with bloat?

A
  • distention of left paralumbar fossa
  • dyspnea, severe respiratory distress
  • death
  • uncomfortable
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6
Q

Which type of bloat is easier to treat successfully with no recurrence? Which one does a “home remedy” work best on?

A

frothy - typically due to diet

frothy - Therabloat (poloxalene), detergent or vegetable oil deposited at the cardia (8th ICS) + walk the cow to mix medication in the rumen

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7
Q

Why is it important to reduce pressure on the diaphragm in cases of bloat?

A

allows cow to breath comfortably

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8
Q

In what type of bloat are trocars useful?

A

free gas, use in cases of life or death

  • places in L paralumbar fossa
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9
Q

How is free gas bloat treated?

A
  • correct the problem that causes the bloat - get sternal
  • agonal = trocharization
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10
Q

What is prognosis of bloat like?

A
  • frothy = good once treated
  • free gas = typically recurs
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11
Q

How can antemortem and postmortem bloat be differentiated?

A

ANTEMORTEM = pressure in chest causes decreased venous return, resulting in a bloat line to develop

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12
Q

What are 5 options for controlling frothy bloat?

A
  1. limit legume pasture access
  2. Bloat Guard - poloxalene given daily
  3. fill cows with grass hay before turnout
  4. never let hungry cattle graze legumes
  5. monensin - reduce bloat potential by altering rumen microflora
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13
Q

What are the best 3 options for controlling feedlot bloat?

A
  1. provide at least 10-15% roughage
  2. avoid overfeeding
  3. avoid fine grinding of grains, which promotes frothiness

(poloxalene not very effective)

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14
Q

What should an owner of a choked cattle do prior to the time a vet can arrive if the animal is in distress?

a. pass a tube
b. trocarize the rumen
c. give banamine
d. put cow in a dark room

A

B

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15
Q

All of the following are control measures for frothy bloat except…

a. Bloat Guard
b. limit access to pasure
c. feed finely ground grain and some hay prior to turning out on problem pasture
d. fill with grass hay and limited amounts of whole corn prior to turning out on problem pasture
e. feed ionophores

A

C

finely ground grain makes it worse

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16
Q

What signs are indicative of simple indigestion? Where is percussion heard?

A
  • off feed and milk
  • abnormal rumen motility
  • diarrhea
  • dehydration

high up on the right side by the last couple ribs ~12” in diameter, comes and goes –> where duodenum is found

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17
Q

What are 3 causes of simple indigestion? How can it be diagnosed? What must be ruled out?

A
  1. overconsumption of nonfood
  2. overeating damaged feed - bottom of silo is poorly mixed
  3. sudden change in feed
    (rarely a herd problem)

check rumen pH and protozoa

DAs, lactic acidosis, ketosis, hardware

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18
Q

What are 3 parts of treating simple indigestion? What is prognosis like?

A
  1. restore rumen flora
  2. laxatives
  3. fluids

good - most recover within a few days

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19
Q

What 3 feeds are associated with simple indigestion? How is it prevented?

A
  1. new silage - improperly fermented
  2. bottom of silo
  3. moldy feeds

only feed quality feed and change gradually

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20
Q

What signs are associated with ruminal acidosis?

A
  • depression
  • staggering
  • hyper to atonic rumen
  • anorexia
  • fluid-filled rumen - hard to feel fiber
  • diarrhea, dehydration

EMERGENCY, commonly happens in a group

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21
Q

What causes ruminal acidosis?

A

overconsumption of carbohydrates (CHOs) in grain, silage, or bread causes the Gram+ organisms in the rumen to produce lactic acid –> decreases rumen pH causing the G- organisms and protozoa to die (eventually G+ too)

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22
Q

Why does ruminal acidosis cause a splashy rumen? What is a common sequela?

A

rumen osmotic pressure increases and D-lactate increases, which draws fluid into the rumen –> oral fluids NOT recommended

acid damages rumen mucosa and sets up a secondary bacterial and fungal infection –> liver abscesses, caudal vena cava syndrome

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23
Q

Ruminal acidosis is suspected in a herd. What test can confirm suspicions the fastest?

a. CBC
b. chemistry profile
c. blood gas
d. rumen pH
e. smell of rumen contents

A

D

normally >5.5 –> more roughage = higher

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24
Q

What is the best option for diagnosing rumen acidosis?

A

rumen tap

  • protozoa will be dead
  • pH < 5.5
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25
How is ruminal acidosis treated?
- IV fluids - *bicarbonate* - antibiotics - PPG into rumen to prevent liver abscesses - NSAIDs - enterotoxemia - empty rumen - shop vac, Kingman tube flush - neutralize rumen - magnesium sulfate, MgOH - thiamine - transfaunation
26
What sequela are associated with ruminal acidosis? What is prognosis like?
- liver abscesses - abortion - polioencephalitis - laminitis most treated in a timely manner recover --> get fluids started ASAP
27
What is SARA?
subclinical ruminal acidosis repeated insult of <5.5 pH, but not a downer or sick --> rumen wall still affected and can lead to vena cava syndrome
28
Which lactate is associated with ruminal acidosis?
D-lactate (worse than L lactate)
29
What is vagal indigestion?
progressive ruminal distention due to impaired ability to move content along the GIT, resulting in an L-shaped, enlarged, hypertonic rumen and bradycardia - fluids accumulate and food does not move
30
Cows with GI issues are usually.....
alkalotic
31
What signs are indicative of vagal indigestion?
- decreased production and appetite - bradycardia - belly gets bigger, but there is weight loss - *decreased fecal output*
32
What are some options for treating vagal indigestion?
- depends on etiology - antibiotics, NSAIDs, FB removal, drain abscess - relieve distension with a Kingman tube - fluids - transfaunate - consider slaughter
33
How is vagal indigestion diagnosed?
- history and physical exam - markedly enlarged rumen (L-shaped) - exploratory - ruminal or plasma chlorides - normal with distended rumen = omasal problem, low plasma Cl and high ruminal Cl = abomasal problem
34
What is prognosis of vagal indigestion like?
guarded --> only 30% return to decent production
35
What are the 4 types of vagal indigestion?
1. bloat/cranial vagal nerve dysfunction - mediastinal abscess, pneumonia 2. omasal outflow problems - hardware 3. abomasal outflow problems - hardware (increased Cl) 4. abomasal outflow problems - large fetus causes partial obstruction (best prognosis, induction or C-section cures)
36
What is a rumen drinker? What treatment is recommended?
skinny, poor hair coat (punky) calf that doesn't want to nurse, so they are tubed so often that milk accumulates in the rumen and curdles quit tubing, rumenotomy, transfaunation
37
A farmer describes his cow as not eating much, not milking much, not defecating much, but their abdomen is getting bigger and bigger. What are these signs indicative of?
vagal indigestion
38
True or false - The predominant bacteria in the normal rumen are Gram-negatives.
TRUE G+ produce acid
39
True or false - There are usually 2-3 protozoa in normal rumen contents seen per 4x field.
FALSE slide should be very busy
40
True or false - Ruminal acidosis rarely occurs in young stock.
FALSE
41
True or false - Cows with "classic" vagal indigestion tend to have hypomotile rumen motility.
FALSE hypermotility, bradycardia
42
Name 6 treatment considerations for cases of ruminal acidosis.
1. fluids with bicarbonate 2. antibiotics - intraruminal and systemic to prevent liver abscesses 3. NSAIDs 4. thiabendazole, Omni-Gen 5. transfaunation 6. charcoal, mineral oil, magnesium sulfate, rumenostomy
43
True or false: - Cows with "classical" vagal indigestion have decreased heart rates. - Some causes of vagal indigestion may be successfully treated.
true technically true (30%)
44
A 2.5 month old calf is a poor doer with a rough hair coat and has weak ruminal motility. What question should be asked to build evidence for cause of the disease?
- Is the calf tube fed? - For how long? - Amount fed?
45
How common is displaced abomasums in beef cattle? What is it thought to be associated with?
RARE - but RTA is a common differential for sudden death abomasal ulcers
46
What signs are associated with abomasal impaction?
- normal TPR - off feed - depressed - abdominal distention on lower right +/- left - decreased fecal output - weight loss
47
What 4 things are abomasal impactions associated with?
1. vagal indigestions 2. late pregnancy 3. poor roughage diet 4. mechanical obstructions - intraluminal FB or mass (pyloric region is a common site of LSA!)
48
What diagnostic is used to for abomasal impaction?
rumen chloride >30 mEq/L - exploratory confirms
49
How is abomasal impaction treated? What is prognosis like?
- cathartics and lubricants - DSS, mineral oil - change diet - abort calf, C-section - surgery - fluids, antibiotics, NSAIDs - *slaughter is the most economical solution* guarded to poor
50
What breed of sheep are affected by an abomasal dilation and emptying defect? What signs are associated? How is it diagnosed?
Suffolk - anorexia, depression - abdominal distension of lower right abdomen - decreased fecal output high ruminal Cl, low plasma Cl
51
What signs are indicative of abomasal ulcers?
- melena, dark tarry feces - depressed, anorexic - decreased milk production and rumen motility - pale MM - perforating - peritonitis, pain (colic) - found dead
52
In what cows are abomasal ulcers most common? What are 5 causes?
diary cattle (perforating common in calves) 1. stress 2. diet high in concentrates 3. NSAIDs 4. LSA 5. high producers, early lactation
53
How is abomasal ulcers confirmed? What are other clues?
exploratory, necropsy - melena + occult fecal blood done prior to rectal - abdominocentesis (perforating) - CBC - ballottment of lower right causes grunts
54
How are abomasal ulcers treated? What is contraindicated?
- change diet to include more roughage - protectants and antacids - Omeprazole IV - blood transfusions - antibiotics - fluids NSAIDs
55
Where in the GIT is LSA commonly found?
pyloric region of abomasum --> vagal indigestion! - confirm with necropsy/biopsy
56
Treatment of abomasal ulcers consist of all of the following except... a. change diet to include more roughage b. surgery c. reduce stress d. NSAIDs e. antibiotics
D
57
What is indicative of mesentery root torsion? Where is percussion heard? How is it diagnosed? Treated?
acute onset of pain with rapid progression --> COLIC over right paralumbar fossa rectal palpation - distended spiral colon surgery + fluids, antibiotics, NSAIDs
58
What signs are indicative of cecal dilation/torsion? What is the most common etiology?
- torsion = colic - scant feces - decreased milk production - anorexia high concentrate > more VFAs > cecal atony > dilation > torsion > death
59
How is cecal dilation/torsion diagnosed?
- rectal palpation - percussion in upper right paralumbar fossa
60
How is cecal dilation/torsion treated?
- surgery required for torsion - antacids and laxatives for mild signs - high fiber diet - slaughter
61
What history is indicative of atresia coli, recti, or ani? How is it treated?
healthy newborn with gradual abdominal distention, depression, anorexia, and no feces passage within 2 days of birth--> no feces on glove on rectal exams! surgery
62
What should farmers be told about development of atresia coli, recti, and ani? What may cause it?
discourage breeding of surgically corrected --> thought to be hereditary palpation of amniotic vesicle at <42 days
63
What is the purpose of putting a cow on a Lidocaine drip following surgery?
stimulates gut motility
64
Abomasal dilation and emptying defect occurs in what breed of sheep? a. Merino b. Southdown c. Hampshire d. Suffolk e. St. Croux
D
65
In what breed is fat necrosis most common? What signs are commonly seen?
Channel Island breeds - Jersey - bloody stool - colic, treading - intestinal obstruction - hard masses felt on rectal palpation
66
What commonly results from fat necrosis? What is prognosis like? What is a promising treatment?
rectal strictures - fat hardens and necroses due to decreased blood supply poor --> slaughter commonly recommended Isoprothiolane (fungicide) - alters lipid metabolism
67
What surgical option may be a possibility for treating atresia coli?
- press on abdomen - if there is a bulge where the anus should be, attach a towel clamp - dissect the blind end of the rectum - create an anus and place stay sutures to the skin - suture the blind end to the anal skin and open the kind end - place stay sutures to keep a syringe case in the rectum for 2 weeks to keep it patent
68
How can atresia recti be differentiated from atresia coli?
pass an enema tube and determine how far it went in until it met a blind end
69
What may contribute to the development of atresia coli, recti, and ani?
aggressive palpation of amniotic vesicle <42 days of gestation
70
In what sheep are intestinal parasites most common?
ewes --> high stress
71
What vaccine is always recommended for sheep?
CD&T --> C. perfringens type D (overeating disease), Tetanus start first week of life --> 1 month --> prior to weaning --> then annually recommended in pregnant ewe 2-3 weeks before lambing
72
What vaccine is always appropriate for swine?
Erysipelas - even in pot bellies, commonly combined with Bordetella brochisepticum - if farrowing, use Farrosure Gold B, which also contained Parvovirus and Leptospirosis
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