Case studies

A client brings a beef calf to the clinic for loose stool. The 5 day old calf has a skin tent of 54 seconds, moist mucous membranes, and the eyeballs are not sunken.

What is the percent dehydration and how would you give fluids?

5%; oral

You are called to one of your regular, herd health clients who is fairly new to your practice for a 5 y.o. beef cow with weight loss and loose stool. BCS is a 3/9 compared to herd 6/9. You feel bottle jaw and confirm loose stool. Fecal sample was negative for parasites. Talking with the owner, you find out that they bought this cow 2 yrs ago from a friend.

What should your next diagnostic test be?

Fecal ELISA for Johne’s

7 y.o QH gelding is lethargic and did not eat the day before presentation. This AM there was no improvement and the owner noted reddish colored urine in the stall. Horse gets hay in the stall at night and is turned out to pasture during the day. Two other horses that share the same pasture appear normal.

• T: 99.0 F

• P: 68 bpm

• R: 32 bpm

• Pale mucous membranes

HCt: 9.1 (30-45), MCHC elevated, lymphocytes decreased and neutrophilia on BW. Blood gas shows pH 7.435 (7.3-7.421), lactate 4.2

What is your diagnosis?

Oxidative damage anemia

Treatment for oxidative anemia?

Blood transfusion, fluids, laxatives, antioxidants