Neonatal Septicemia

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

How do we treat neonatal septicemia?

Control infections w/ antibiotics

Modulate inflammatory response w/ NSAIDs or something similar

Volume and nutritional support

What are your considerations when giving antibiotics for septicemia?

Legal, quick, broad spectrum (mostly gram -)

Give IV

Bacteristatic

What antibiotics can you give for septicemia?

Cephalosporin like Naxcel (not IV)

Ampicillin (less spectrum, but IV)

Florfenicol ok but not IV and can worsen microbiome

What is the law for 3rd gen cephalosporins like naxcel?

Must be labeled dose and route of admin (IM) but CAN be off label

What is the best way to control inflammation? 

Flunixin meglumine (Banamine, NSAID)

Meloxicam

How long can you give NSAIDs for?

2-3 days due to risk for gastric ulceration in abomasum and kidney damage

What type of IV fluids should you use?

Crystalloid

What are the benefits of IV fluids?

Replace electrolyte disturbances

Provides circulatory support

How do you provide nutritional support?

IV dextrose CRI 5%

Small frequent meals