Ketosis Flashcards
What is ketosis?
A metabolic disorder that occurs when ketone bodies build up in the blood as a result of increased fat metabolism.
What animals does ketosis primarily occur in?
- Dairy cattle.
- Small ruminants.
- Camelids.
In what animals and at what times does ketosis most commonly occur?
From parturition to six months postpartum.
What are the two presentations of ketosis?
- Clinical.
- Subclinical.
*Can be the primary disease or secondary to another condition.
What is the incidence of subclinical ketosis?
15-60%.
What is the incidence of clinical ketosis?
2-15%.
Why is the Holstein breed more likely to develop ketosis?
They are genetically predisposed to produced high amounts of milk.
Why are older cows more likely to develop ketosis?
Produce more milk after first calf.
What are the risk factors for developing ketosis?
- Excess BCS at calving.
- Nutritional imbalance.
- Other post-partum diseases.
- High milk production.
- Poor cow comfort (unable to lay down/sit, too hot/cold).
What are the clinical findings for ketosis?
- Ketotic breath.
- Drop in DMI.
- Depression.
- Neurologic signs (circling, staggering, licking, chewing, bellowing, head pressing, compulsive walking).
- Decreased BCS.
What does ketosis result from?
High glucose demand and adipose mobilization.
Why does ketosis most commonly occur when it does?
Early lactation causes a negative energy balance due to the high glucose demand, leading to adipose mobilization to compensate, and gluconeogenesis.
What compound is metabolized into acetyl-CoA in the liver?
NEFAs.
What are the 4 possible paths acetyl-CoA can be directed towards?
- Triglyceride synthesis for storage in the liver.
- Triglyceride synthesis into very low density lipids and exported out of the liver.
- Incomplete oxidation through ketogenesis.
- Complete oxidation through the Krebs cycle.
What is the complete oxidation of acetyl-CoA dependent on?
The presence of oxaloacetate.
