Common Diseases of Dairy Cattle

Calving Disorders
Early Lactation Pitfalls Everyday Problems

Calving Disorders
Dystocia Paralysis Prolapsed Uterus Retained Placenta Metritis Milk fever

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

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

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

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

Calving Disorders
Calving Paralysis Prevention
Avoid dystocias Know when to call veterinarian Usually if hadnt made any progress in 30 minutes of assistance

Calving Disorders
Prolapsed Uterus What
Cow has pushed uterus outside bodyinside out

When
After calf is pulled out

Why
Dystocia Large calf Milk Fever

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

Calving Disorders
Prolapsed Uterus Prevention
Avoid dystocias Treat milk fevers promptly

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

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%

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

Calving Disorders
Retained Uterus Diagnosis
Cow didnt clean Wait 12 hours after calving

Treatment
Nothing - if metritis isnt 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

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

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%

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

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

Serum Calcium Levels at Parturition

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2
-8 -6 -4 -2 10 0 2 4 6 8
Serum Ca (mg/dl)

Normal Hypocalcemia Milk Fever

Days from 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%

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

Common Diseases of Dairy Cattle

Calving Disorders

Early Lactation Pitfalls

Everyday Problems

Early Lactation Pitfalls

Displaced Abomasum What
Abomasum in wrong place of abdomenDA

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%

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

Early Lactation Pitfalls

Displaced Abomasum Diagnosis
Ping heard on side of abdomen Off feed Ketosis

Treatment
Surgery

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%

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

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

Early Lactation Pitfalls

Other Diseases Rumen acidosis Abomasal Ulcers Fatty Liver All require veterinary assistance in diagnosis/prevention

Common Diseases of Dairy Cattle

Calving Disorders
Early Lactation Pitfalls

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%

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

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

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

Everday Problems
Enteritis What
Infection of intestinal tract Can be acute (winter dysentery) or Chronic (Johnes)

When
Anytime

Everday Problems
Enteritis Why
Feed changes Salmonella Winter dysentery Parasites (younger animals) BVD Johnes disease

Everyday Problems
Enteritis Diagnosis
Off feed Diarrhea Weight loss Blood or fecal tests Treatment Consult veterinarian-

Everyday Problems
Enteritis Prevention
Vaccination (BVD) Strict biosecurity Sanitation Clean feed handling Separatiuon of calves from cows Culling Gradual feed changes

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

Everyday Problems
Hardware Prevention
Careful of needles, tools, wire, nails around farm Magnets to all heifers?

Goals and Objectives of 100-Day Contract Fresh Period

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

Goals and Objectives of 100-Day Contract Fresh Period

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

Components of 100-Day Contract

Fresh Period 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

10 Day Postpartum Monitoring Program

Involves evaluating each fresh cow every day for 10 days.
Observe Attitude of Cow Rectal temperature (>103.0F.) 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 Fresh Cow
Normal
1) 10 Day PP Monitoring

"Abnormal"
1) 10 Day PP Monitoring 2) ECP Sterile Solution, 2 cc. IM 3) LUTALYSE Sterile Solution, 1 ds. (14-28 days PP)

Fever

Sick/"Off Feed"

Normal

Fever

Sick/"Off Feed"

Normal

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

Day One Problem Cows ECP (4 mg once) 10-Day Evaluation Temperature and Physical Exam

Normal

Fever +/- Off-feed

Antibiotic ECP (4 mg - if not given day one) PREDEF 2X (20 mg once) Supportive Rx as needed

Off-feed; no fever

No treatment

PREDEF 2X (20 mg once) Supportive Rx as needed

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

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
Ectoparasites
Flies, lice, ticks

Endoparasites
Nematodes (worms) Protozoans (coccidia, cryptosporidia)

Parasite Control
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)

Parasite Control
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

Parasite Control
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