Ketosis of an Early Lactating Crossbred Holstein-Friesian dairy cow: A Case Study

Abstract

Ketosis is considered one of the economically important metabolic diseases in the dairy industry. This is a case study of 3 years old Holstein Friesian cow weighing 550 kg, presented with a primary complaint of inappetence and decreased milk production. The cow had a history of calving 3 weeks ago. Physical examination findings revealed severe dehydration, anorexia, rough hair coat, ruminal stasis. Moreover, the feces of the cow contained undigested materials. Clinical examination findings were temperature 101.5°F, decreased respiration, and decreased pulse rate. Metritis on rectal palpation was also found. Besides, routine examination of blood revealed lymphocytopenia. In biochemical examinations, we found Calcium 9 mg/dl, Magnesium 3.9 mg/dl, Blood urea nitrogen 36.6 mg/dl, Triglycerides 23.5 mg/dl, Total protein 84.2 mg/dl, Chloride 65.9 mmol/L, Sodium 106.3 mmol/L and a pH of ruminal fluid was 8.2. We may conclude that the high yielding crossbred dairy cow with the history of retained plancenta had been suffering from ruminal alkalosis, negative energy balance, and dehydration after parturition. These findings indicate secondary ketosis, which might be preventable by assessment of serum metabolic profiles around parturition and changes in the management practices accordingly.