Neonatal Septicemia (not done)

What is septicemia?

Invasion of the bloodstream by virulent microorganisms

What can cause septicemia?

Bacteria and toxins from local site of infection

What is the 3rd most common cause of neonatal calf mortality?

Septicemia

What defense do calves lack?

Innate immunity

What cause impaired neutrophil function in calves?

Decreased neutrophil receptors

Increased cortisol for 1st days of life

Dampened neutrophil chemotaxis during cold weather

Depressed neutrophil function from protein energy malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies

What do pathogens from septicemia like to cause?

Meningitis

Septic arthritis

Endocarditis

What can endotoxin cause clinically?

Generalized weakness, tachycardia, pyrexia, leukopenia, hypotension

What do arachidonic acid metabolites cause?

Myocardial depression, compliment activation, production of sepsis mediators

What are predisposing factors for septicemia?

Failure of passive transfer of immunity

Poor calving area sanitation

Improper umbilical care

Bacterial colonization can cause septicemia from what areas/

GI tract. respiratory tract, umbilicus

What is the clinical presentation of septicemia?

Signalment calf of 2-8 days, depressed, weak to absent suckle reflex, hyperemic mucous membranes, scleral injection, fever, tachycardia, tachypnea

What are the hematologic abnormalities associated with septicemia?

Abnormal neutrophil count, bands, hyper fibrinogenemia, thrombocytopenia, hypoglycemia, metabolic acidosis

What is the most common etiologic agent of neonatal septicemia?

E. coli