FPT/sepsis

Question 1

When should colostrum first be given to a calf?

Answer 1

Within the first 6 hours

Question 2

How much IgG do calves need to ingest for adequate passive transfer?

Answer 2

150-200 grams (3-4L)

Question 3

Is it good practice to pool colostrum?

Answer 3

No

Question 4

Can you tell visually if colostrum is good?

Answer 4

No

Question 5

What is the gold standard test for passive transfer in calves?

Answer 5

Radial immunodiffusion- however, time consuming and impractical

Question 6

What are the tests for passive transfer in calves?

Answer 6

Serum total protein (refractometer), sodium sulfite turbidity test, zinc sulfate turbidity test, GGT, whole blood glutaraldehyde clot test

Question 7

If you identify a calf with failure of passive transfer, at what point is it too late to feed them more colostrum?

Answer 7

After 24 hours- gut has probably already closed

Question 8

How should failure of passive transfer be treated after gut closure?

Answer 8

IV or intraperitoneal immunoglobulin administration (serum, plasma, whole blood)
Can also practice benign neglect

Question 9

What is the most prevalent immunoglobulin in colostrum?

Answer 9

IgG 1

Question 10

What are the sequelae of FPT?

Answer 10

Septicemia, hypoglycemia, hypothermia, acidosis, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, suffocation

Question 11

What are common entry routes for bacteria causing septicemia in calves?

Answer 11

GI system, respiratory system, umbilicus

Question 12

What type of bacteria tend to cause septicemia?

Answer 12

Gram negative pathogens- E coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Klebsiella, (also Staphylococcus)

Question 13

What conditions do older calves with septicemia develop?

Answer 13

Septic joints and physis, endocarditis, pneumonia, meningitis

Question 14

What are clinical signs of septicemia?

Answer 14

Altered mentation, decreased suckling ability, abnormal body temperature, tachycardia/tachypnea, hyperemia, dehydration, hypotension

Question 15

What age group most commonly develops septicemia?

Answer 15

2-6 days old

Question 16

What initial diagnostics should be performed in a calf you suspect has sepsis?

Answer 16

PCV, total solids, BG, lactate, blood gas, USG, thoracic and abdominal U/S

Question 17

How is septicemia diagnosed?

Answer 17

Blood culture- 2 samples 60 minutes apart taken from the jugular, interpret negative result with caution, perform prior to antibiotic therapy

Question 18

What bloodwork changes are consistent with septicemia?

Answer 18

Neutrophilia or neutropenia, left shift, degenerative changes, elevated fibrinogen, hypoglycemia, metabolic acidosis, hypoproteinemia

Question 19

How is sepsis treated?

Answer 19

Control the infection and manage inflammatory response- NSAIDs, supportive care (plasma, IVF with dextrose, oxygen, parenteral nutrition), antimicrobials (3rd or 4th gen cephalosporins, ampicillin, penicillin, or florfenicol)

Question 20

What clinical signs are associated with septic arthritis?

Answer 20

Lameness and non-weight bearing, clinical signs with primary foci of sepsis

Question 21

What signs can Mycoplasma sepsis cause?

Answer 21

Polyarthritis, fevers, respiratory disease, neurological signs

Question 22

How is septic arthritis or polyarthritis diagnosed?

Answer 22

Radiographs with bone lysis (lags 10-14d behind disease), hyperechogenic synovial fluid on U/S, bacteria and high TP on arthrocentesis

Question 23

How is septic arthritis/polyarthritis treated?

Answer 23

Joint lavage, systemic and local antibiotics, arthrotomy, regional limb perfusions
Prognosis poor if physitis present

Question 24

Describe meningitis

Answer 24

Manifests as lethargy, failure to nurse, fever, extended head/neck, depression, seizures, diagnose with CSF, high mortality rate, can use 3rd or 4th gen cephalosporins or ampicillin or fluroquinolones to attempt to treat

Question 25

What are the clinical signs of omphalitis?

Answer 25

Large, painful, moist umbilicus +/- purulent discharge, dysuria and pollakiuria, systemic disease

Question 26

How is omphalitis diagnosed?

Answer 26

Abdominal palpation and ultrasound

Question 27

How is omphalitis treated?

Answer 27

Antibiotics, lance and drain any abscess +/- surgical resection