Ketosis of Cattle

Ketosis

Also known as:

Acetonemia Ketonemia

See also:

Ketosis

Signalment

Occurs in high yielding dairy cows a few weeks postpartum.

Diagnosis

Can often diagnose this condition on physical exam and a history of concurrent disease. It is possible to test milk or urine on the farm for the presence of ketone bodies. These are often 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.

Clinical Signs

Reduced feed intake is often the first clinical sign to be noted. Other signs include decreased milk yield, lethargy and an “empty” appearing abdomen. Rumen motility is variable, but often hypoactive following reduced intake. Rarely cases present with central Nervous System signs and include incoordination, agression, excesssive licking and chewing and occassionally bellowing.

Additionally ketosis produces a characteristic 'pear drop' smell on the breath of affected cattle.

• due to excessive loss of glucose in the milk
• ketones excreted in the milk
• self-limiting condition

Treatment

Treatment is aimed at restoring normal blood glucose levels. Intravenous glucose bolused is

Glucocorticoids Propylene glycol is often used as it acts as a precursor to glucose. This can be administered twice daily.