A Comprehensive Guide to Ketosis in Cattle: Symptoms and Treatment

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What Is Ketosis?

Ketosis is a metabolic disease caused by the imbalance between energy intake and energy output due to lactation, leading to NEB. As a consequence, fat tissues break down quickly, causing excessive production of ketones in blood, urine, and milk.

Ketosis in Dairy Cattle Symptoms - VetInsight Pakistan.
A high-yielding crossbred cow exhibiting classic signs of Ketosis, including gaunt flank and reduced intake.



​When Does It Happen?

This condition normally happens within the first 2 to 6 weeks after calving. During this period, milk production is maximized, while DMI remains lower than the required level.

Clinical Symptoms

Here Are Some Important "Warning Signs" That You Should Notice as a Vet or Farm Manager:

Declined Milk Production: 

Sudden or slow reduction of milk per day.

Selective Anorexia:

 A cow prefers to eat roughage such as hay and straw and avoids concentrates/grains.

The "Acetone" Odor: 

A unique smell of sweets and fruits in the breath and milk.

Physical Symptoms: 

Fast weight loss, sunken flanks, and constipation with hard droppings.

Nervous Ketosis (Less Common): 

Cows have peculiar behavioral issues, such as persistent licking and walking around in circles.

Diagnosis

​​Diagnosis is normally determined by:

​​History: 

Calving recently and high milk yield.

​​Tests on the Cowside: 

Through strips checking for presence of ketone bodies in milk or urine.

​​Blood Glucose Level:

Normal in ketotic cows would be low or Hypoglycemia.

​​Treatment and Management

​​Treatment will mainly focus on restoration of blood glucose levels within the shortest time possible.

​​Glucose Infusion (Intravenous): 

50% dextrose infusion should be rapid.

​​Glucogenic Precursors: 

Propylene glycol and glycerol should be provided for several days.

​​Use of Corticosteroids: 

May be necessary to shift metabolism to favor glucose production.

​​Prevention Measures in Farmers

​​Prevention is always cheaper than cure:

​​Body Condition Scoring (BCS): 

Ensure that cows do not become overconditioned before calving.

​​Transition Ration: 

Energy content of the ration should be increased slowly during the "close-up" dry period.

​​High Palatability Feeds: 

Highly palatable feeds should be provided to encourage high DM intake post-calving.


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