Energy Metabolism & GI Displacement Disorders of Cattle

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering energy metabolism and gastrointestinal displacement disorders in dairy cattle.

Hepatic Lipidosis (Fatty Liver)

A metabolic condition caused by a negative energy balance driving body fat mobilization, leading to excess nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs) being re-esterified and deposited as triglycerides within liver hepatocytes.

Nonesterified Fatty Acids (NEFAs)

Long-chain fatty acids released into the blood during mobilization of adipose tissue stores; roughly $15-20\%$ are retained by the liver and stored as triglycerides if they exceed hepatic processing capacity.

NEFA Threshold for Hepatic Lipidosis

A blood serum concentration of NEFA $\ge 600\,\mu mol/L$, which is likely to drive triglyceride accumulation in the liver.

Ketosis (Acetonemia)

A metabolic disorder in early lactation occurring when intense fat mobilization outpaces glucose supply, causing the liver to convert fatty acids into ketone bodies faster than they can be processed.

Digestive Form of Ketosis

The most common clinical presentation of ketosis, characterized by reduced feed intake, lethargy, variable rumen motility, and an empty-flank appearance.

Nervous Form of Ketosis

A less common clinical form of ketosis presenting with neurological signs such as abnormal licking, incoordination, and bellowing.

Hyperketonemia Diagnostic Thresholds

Diagnostic cutoffs indicating hyperketonemia, defined as blood BHB concentrations $\ge 1.2\,mmol/L$ or milk BHB concentrations $\ge 100\,\mu mol/L$.

Propylene Glycol

An oral glucose precursor converted to propionate by rumen microbes and then to glucose in the liver, used as a first-line treatment for mild fatty liver and ketosis.

Displaced Abomasum (LDA/RDA)

A gastrointestinal condition occurring primarily in early lactation where the gas-distended abomasum shifts upward between the rumen and body wall on the left (LDA) or between the liver and body wall on the right (RDA).

Abomasal Metallic Ping

The hallmark diagnostic sound elicited by simultaneous auscultation and percussion over ribs 9–13, caused by gas trapped inside a displaced abomasum.

Abomasal Volvulus (AV)

A true surgical emergency where the gas-filled abomasum rotates and twists on the right side of the abdomen, obstructing blood supply and leading to ischemia.

Cecal Dilatation

Gas distension of the cecum in its normal anatomical position, commonly caused by reduced motility from high-concentrate diets or hypocalcemia.

Cecal Volvulus

A life-threatening emergency in which the cecum and proximal loop of the ascending colon twist along their blood supply, leading to severe colic and tissue ischemia.

Hemorrhagic Bowel Syndrome (HBS)

An acute, highly fatal disorder of mature, high-producing dairy cows involving sudden massive bleeding into the jejunum, forming obstructing blood clots that cause tissue necrosis and death within $24-48\text{ hours}$.

Bramble Jelly Feces

Distinctive dark, scant, and sticky feces containing dark blood clots, serving as a characteristic clinical sign of Hemorrhagic Bowel Syndrome.

Hypocalcemia GI Impact

Low blood calcium levels that weaken smooth muscle contractions, leading to abomasal and cecal hypomotility that predisposes cattle to displacement and dilatation disorders.

Typhlotomy

A surgical incision into the cecum via a right paralumbar approach used to decompress and drain accumulated gas and contents during cecal dilatation or volvulus.

Typhlectomy

Partial surgical resection of the cecum, indicated in severe cases of cecal volvulus where the tissue wall has become necrotic.