Ketosis

See also:

Ketosis of cattle Pregnancy toxaemia

Description

Ketosis occurs in starvation and also in diabetes mellitus. Basically, no carbohydrates are metabolised, in starvation none are available and in diabetes mellitus because there is no insulin present to allow glucose transport into cells. When carbohydrates are not available the body produces energy via the metabolism of fat. Fatty changes can be seen in the liver and kidney following deposiotion of the mobilised fat. This results in an accumulation of ketone bodies (B-hydroxybutyric acid, acetoacetic acid and acetone) in the blood and other tissues. Two of the ketone bodies are acids resulting in a metabolic acidosis hence the name ketoacidosis.

Signalment

Affects cattle, ewes and deer. More frequently affecting animals who have a high body condition store.

Diagnosis

Can often diagnose this condition on clinical signs combined. It is possible to test milk or urine on the farm for the presence of ketone bodies. This can be carried out using dipsticks which change colour in the presence of ketone bodies. False positives can occur with these tests and they should be used in conjunction with clinical signs suggestive of ketosis.

Additionally, serum concentrations of NEFAs will be high and glucose levels will be low.

The acetone that is formed during ketosis is a volatile agent which can be blown off and this accounts for the 'pear drop' like smell on affected animals breath.

Clinical signs

Include, depression, lethargy, dehydration, anorexia and decreased rumenal activity.

References

• due to an excessive drain on carbohydrate stores because pregnant and lactating animals have a continuous demand for glucose
• ketosis results when fat metabolism which occurs in response to the increased energy demand is excessive
• ketone bodies accumulate in the blood and there is marked fatty change in the liver
• can occur in starvation but commonly seen in two conditions in livestock:

Ketosis of Cattle

Pregnancy Toxaemia