1. KETOSIS Acetonemia; Ketonemia
By: Jonathan O. CHua

2. KETOSIS
It is a common disease in cattle and it typically occurs in dairy cows in early lactation and is most consistently characterized by partial anorexia and depression.
The condition is worldwide in distribution but is most common where dairy cows are bred and managed for high production.
It is an important clinical and sub clinical disease, as several metabolic disorders and diseases, common in the periparturient and early lactation period including milk fever, retained fetal membranes and displaced abomasums are linked to ketosis.
Hypoglycaemia is the major factor involved in the onset and development of clinical signs of ketosis

4. CLINICAL FEATURES High Glucose demand (Gestation and Lactation)
It is an intoxication by circulating ketone bodies and is associated with an energy deficit in early lactation.
Typical clinical signs includes anorexia and lethargy (Slow Fever), depressed yields, and constipation, although some cases develop nervous signs such as compulsive licking, salivation, biting flanks or even maniacal behavior.
It usually occurs when energy intake is inadequate for output.
High Glucose demand (Gestation and Lactation)
High Level of Fat Mobilization

5. COMPARISON

6. FORMS OF KETOSIS
1. Wasting disease/loss of condition in early/peak lactation
Primary ketosis – no other diseases present
Subclinical – cows in good condition at calving
Cows still eat and productive
Affects about 30 – 50% of herd
If chronic, will see fatty infiltration of liver
Clinical – cows +/- condition at calving
Off feed, especially concentrates
↓ milk production
Fatter cows – becomes “sicker quicker”
Sever Hepatic Lipidosis is possible and can be fatal.

7. FORMS OF KETOSIS Secondary ketosis – often transient
Periparturient disease present - ↓ appetite
Hypocalcemia, retained placenta, metritis, mastitis, lameness
2. Nervous Ketosis – CNS signs are seen including circling, staggering and bellowing.
- other signs includes licking, chewing, trembling and aggression.
- the cause is said to be ↓ in glucose ↑ ammonia

8. TREATMENT
Goal: Restore normoglycemia & ↓ serum ketone bodies.
Administration of IV Glucose – 50% dextrose
If not pregnant, use Glucocorticoids
Decrease the milk production – reduce milking duration for days (only if mastitis is ruled out)
Don’t stop supplementation till after cow is normal several days

9. PREVENTION Nutritional Management Daily Exercise Problem Herds
Increased plane of nutrition 2 wks prior to calving
Increase energy intake after parturition
Adequate vitamins and minerals
Daily Exercise
Prevent overconditioning
Problem Herds
Monitor ketone levels in urine and milk
Propylene glycol supplement
The reducing effect of PG on NEFA, hepatic TG concentrations, and milk fat content indicate that PG increases energy balance of cows in early lactation. Together with the anti-ketogenic properties of PG, this suggests that PG may reduce the risk of subclinical and clinical ketosis.