Ketosis is a common disease in adult cattle, particularly dairy cows in early lactation, caused by intense fat mobilization and high glucose demand. The pathogenesis is not fully understood, but it leads to increased ketone bodies in the blood. Risk factors include early lactation and high body condition scores, with reduced feed intake being a common sign. Diagnosis involves clinical signs and presence of ketone bodies in urine or milk. Treatment aims to normalize blood glucose and reduce ketone body concentrations, with options including IV dextrose and glucocorticoids. Prevention strategies include nutritional management to shift energy towards milk production and away from body fattening.
Ketosis is a common disease in adult cattle, often occurring in dairy cows during early lactation. Symptoms include reduced appetite and depression, with rare cases in late pregnancy resembling pregnancy toxemia. The exact cause of bovine ketosis is not fully understood but involves intense fat mobilization and high glucose demand, typically seen in early lactation due to negative energy balance.
All dairy cows in the first six weeks of lactation are at risk, with a prevalence estimated at seven to fourteen percent. Cows with excessive fat stores, indicated by a body condition score of 3.75 out of 5 or higher at calving, are at greater risk. Reduced feed intake is a common early sign, particularly in stalled cows who may refuse grain first.
Central nervous system signs like abnormal licking and chewing, coordination issues, aggression, and bellowing can occur but are less common. Diagnosis is based on risk factors, clinical signs, and the presence of ketone bodies in urine or milk. On-site tests are crucial for confirmation, with various commercial options available.
Treatment aims to normalize blood glucose and reduce ketone body concentrations. Common therapies include IV dextrose solutions and glucocorticoids, which may provide a more sustained response. Propylene glycol, given orally, acts as a glucose precursor but must be dosed carefully to avoid CNS depression.
Prevention involves good nutritional management, especially in late lactation when cows may become overweight. Strategies to shift energy towards milk production include modifying diets to increase energy from digestible fiber and decrease starch intake. By monitoring body condition and adjusting diets accordingly, farmers can reduce the risk of ketosis in their cattle.
