Difference between revisions of "Subacute Rumenal Acidosis"

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* Like [[Bloat|bloat]], rumenal acidosis is associated with mismanagement of feeding and involves cessation or depression of [[Rumination - Anatomy & Physiology|rumenal movements]] with development of a degree of tympany.
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==Description==
* More common in cattle and goats than in sheep due to differences in diet.
 
  
===Clinical===
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==Signalment==
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==Diagnosis==
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===Clinical Signs===
  
 
* Animals display signs of abdominal discomfort, but usually recover if treated.
 
* Animals display signs of abdominal discomfort, but usually recover if treated.
 
* Acute disease can result in death if acidosis is severe.
 
* Acute disease can result in death if acidosis is severe.
 
===Pathogenesis===
 
 
* Occurs following feeding of highly fermentable material, usually carbohydrate, in the form of concentrate or cereal
 
** e.g. in barley beef feeding systems.   
 
* An overgrowth of Gram positive bacteria results, breaking carbohydrate down very quickly.
 
** Increased [[Volatile Fatty Acids - Anatomy & Physioogy|volatile fatty acid]] production decreases the [[The Rumen - Anatomy & Physiology|rumen]] pH to about 5. 
 
*** [[The Rumen - Anatomy & Physiology|Rumen]] epithelium is damaged- ruminitis.
 
*** Osmotic effects of [[The Rumen - Anatomy & Physiology|rumen]] contents produce severe dehydration.
 
*** Death may ensue when the [[The Rumen - Anatomy & Physiology|rumen]] pH drops to 4.5 or below.
 
* Normal flora may invade the damaged wall of [[The Rumen - Anatomy & Physiology|rumen]] e.g. Fusiformis necrophorum.
 
** Results in areas with mushy necrotic papillae.
 
** Especially on pillars and ventral parts of [[The Rumen - Anatomy & Physiology|rumen]].
 
* Excess gas production may occur
 
** Concentrate does not contain soluble proteins, therefore foam does not develop.
 
** Only mild to moderate free gas bloat is likely- much of the rumenal distension which occurs with rumenal acidosis is due to fluid sequestration in the [[The Rumen - Anatomy & Physiology|rumen]].
 
  
 
===Pathology===
 
===Pathology===
  
====Gross====
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==Treatment==
 
 
* Gross PM findings may be non-specific.
 
* Ruminal stasis/bloat leads to rumen distension
 
* [[The Rumen - Anatomy & Physiology|Rumen]] contents are porridge-like.
 
* Rumenitis may be present
 
** Normal flora invading wall of rumen may enter blood as thromboemboli and travel in the portal flow to [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology|liver]]
 
** Focal abscesses are produced, which heal with sunken star-shaped scars.
 
* Overgrowth of Clostridia may cause endotoxic shock with widespread petechial haemorrhages.
 
  
====Histological====  
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==Prognosis==
  
* Microvesicles may be present  in the epithelium of the [[The Rumen - Anatomy & Physiology|rumen]] papillae.
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==Links==
** Contain mainly [[Neutrophils|neutrophils]]
 
* May be focal erosions/ulceration.
 
  
===Sequelae===
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==References==
  
* Scarring- necrotised papillae are replaced by smooth epithelium closely adherent to sub mucosa.
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[[Category:Forestomach_-_Nutritional_Pathology]][[Category:Cattle]][[Category:Sheep]][[Category:Goat]][[Category:To_Do_-_Lizzie]]
* Has economic significance since many barley beef livers are condemned at meat inspection.
 
* More persistent organisms can invade [[The Rumen - Anatomy & Physiology|rumen]] wall producing chronic infection.
 
** These are often fungi, e.g. Mucor (see [[Mucormycosis|Mucormycosis]]).[[Category:Forestomach_-_Nutritional_Pathology]][[Category:Cattle]][[Category:Sheep]][[Category:Goat]][[Category:To_Do_-_Lizzie]]
 

Revision as of 19:38, 26 August 2010

Description

Signalment

Diagnosis

Clinical Signs

  • Animals display signs of abdominal discomfort, but usually recover if treated.
  • Acute disease can result in death if acidosis is severe.

Pathology

Treatment

Prognosis

Links

References