Medicine Lecture 5th Stage 27-11-2017 Dr.Osamah Muwafk
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Postparturient Hemoglobinuria In Cattle
Etiology:
1- Diets low in phosphorus
2- Feeding of cruciferous plants e.g.: Turnips, beet pulp.
3- Ingested hemolytic agents.
4- Ingestion of cold water.
Pathogenesis:
1- Depletion of phosphorus reserves due to low dietary intake of
phosphorus, and drain of lactation.
2- red blood cells dependent on glucose metabolism for the main source
of energy for viable function and structure.
3- Hypophosphatemia results in a decrease in red blood cell glycolysis
and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis.
4- Subnormal concentrations of ATP predispose red blood cells to
altered function and structure.
5- a loss of normal deformability, and an increase in fragility and
hemolysis with resultant hemoglobinemia and hemoglobinuria.
6- The changes in the red blood cells are irreversible and the lifespan of
the cells is probably diminished because they are unable to regain
their previous structure and function.
Clinical Findings:
1- Hemoglobinuria, inappetence, and weakness develop suddenly.
2- severe depression of the milk yield.
3- some less acute cases, the cow continues to eat and milk normally for
24 h after discoloration of the urine is evident.
4- Dehydration develops quickly
5- the mucous membranes are pallid
6- cardiac impulse and jugular pulse are much augmented.
7- Dyspnea may be obvious and tachycardia is common
8- Jaundice may be apparent In the late stages.
Medicine Lecture 5th Stage 27-11-2017 Dr.Osamah Muwafk
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9- The course of the acute disease extends from 3 to 5 days; the cow
becomes weak and staggery and finally recumbent.
10-
In non-fatal cases, convalescence requires about 3 weeks.
Clinical Pathology:
1- Decrease serum inorganic phosphorus levels
0.4-1.5 mg/dL.
2- Reduce erythrocyte counts and hemoglobin levels.
3- urine is dark red-brown to black in color and usually moderately
turbid.
Necropsy Findings:
1- blood is thin
2- icterus is widespread throughout the body.
3- The liver is swollen and fatty infiltration and degeneration are evident.
4- Discolored urine is present in the bladder.
Differential Diagnosis:
1- Leptospirosis
2- Bacillary hemoglobinuria
3- Babesiosis
4- Chronic copper
poisoning
5- Cold-water haemolytic anemia of
calves
6- Rape and kale
poisoning
7- Drug-induced
Treatment:
1- in severe cases a transfusion of whole blood is indicated
5 L of blood
to a 450 kg cow.
2- sodium acid phosphate IV administration of 60 g in 300 mL of
distilled water and a similar dose Sc.
3- Oral dosing with bone meal (120 g twice daily).
4- Hematinic during convalescence are recommended.
5- Ketosis is a common complication and additional treatment may be
required.