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 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

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

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., 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

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

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., 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 Goff, 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., 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 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% Kelton, et al., 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., 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., 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 (Johne’s) When Anytime

Everday Problems Enteritis Why Feed changes Salmonella Winter dysentery Parasites (younger animals) BVD Johne’s 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 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

Components of 100-Day Contract Clean Calving EnvironmentClean Calving Environment Third Upjohn J-5 Bacterin within Two Weeks of CalvingThird Upjohn J-5 Bacterin within Two Weeks of Calving Body Condition Score at CalvingBody Condition Score at Calving Daily Monitoring of Each Cow for First 10 Days after CalvingDaily Monitoring of Each Cow for First 10 Days after Calving Administer Supportive Therapy as NeededAdminister 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

Dr. Lynn Upham, Bovine Proceedings, September, 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

Fresh Cow Monitoring System Flow Chart Normal 1) 10 Day PP Monitoring Fever Sick/"Off Feed" Normal "Abnormal"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 NormalFever +/- Off-feedOff-feed; no fever Day One Problem Cows ECP ® (4 mg once) 10-Day Evaluation Temperature and Physical Exam 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