VetInsight Pakistan

1. Introduction Milk fever is one of the most important metabolic disorders in dairy cattle, especially in older, high milk-yielding dairy cows [1, 6]. Unlike small animal eclampsia , milk fever in cattle is accompanied by progressive flaccid paralysis rather than tetany . However, subclinical hypocalcemia , where the cow is standing but has low blood calcium levels, is more prevalent and is often accompanied by other diseases such as displaced abomasum , ketosis , and retained placenta [2, 10]. 2. Pathogenesis:  The Calcium GapLactation demands that the cow mobilizes 20-30 grams of calcium daily, while her total blood calcium pool is only 3 grams [2, 4]. •Homeostatic Failure To overcome the calcium deficit, the cow has to mobilize more calcium from her bones and intestine. This is done with the help of Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) and Vitamin D . •Risk Factors High amounts of potassium in the feed, which cause metabolic alkalosis , make PTH receptors insensitive, effectively 'lockin...

1. Introduction Anthrax is a highly infectious, acute, and febrile disease that is caused by the spore-forming , Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus anthracis . It blemishes the livestock industry due to its ability to cause sudden deaths in cattle, buffaloes, sheep, and goats. Due to its potential to infect humans, it is a significant public health threat. Anthrax in cattle 2. The Characteristics of the Pathogen (Spores) B. anthracis's spore-forming feature alone is the most valuable part of it. However, these spores show extreme endurance in places that other organisms cannot. Depending on how long they have been in the soil, they can stay in it for many years (up to 50 years or more), especially in alkaline and calcium-rich soils. 3. Transmission Ingestion:  By feeding on pastures with spores (soil-borne infection). Inhalation:  Receiving spore-laden dust through the respiratory tract. Vectors:  Biting flies can also act as a mechanical vector to the bacterium. 4. Pathog...