4. Diseases of the intestines in ruminants

Question 1

What are the non-infectious causes of enteritis in ruminants?

Answer 1

Non-infectious causes include abnormal ruminal content,
chemicals, mouldy or rotten food, toxic plants (e.g., senecio, crotalaria species), and issues related to milk or milk replacers, especially in calves who are ruminal drinkers.

Question 2

List four types of infectious agents causing enteritis in ruminants.

Answer 2

Infectious agents include viruses (BVD, rota, adeno,
coronavirus), bacteria (E. coli, salmonella, clostridium perfringens),
parasites (Eimeria, cryptosporidium parvum), and fungi (candidiasis).

Question 3

Explain the pathogenesis of enteritis and the factors leading to diarrhea.

Answer 3

Pathogenesis involves osmotic effects from abnormal digestion and secretion, inflammation/necrosis leading to fluid secretion and malabsorption, endo/exotoxins causing dysfunction of epithelial cells, increased intestinal peristalsis, and later, intestinal paralysis. Diarrhea results from these factors.

Question 4

What are the clinical signs of enteritis in ruminants?

Answer 4

Clinical signs include depression, fever, tachycardia, signs of dehydration, Kussmaul-type dyspnea, anorexia, increased thirst, diarrhea, bubbling intestinal sounds, and metallic sounds on auscultation with percussion.

Question 5

How is enteritis diagnosed in ruminants?

Answer 5

Diagnosis involves considering the epidemiological situation, symptomatic and etiological diagnosis, and additional laboratory exams.

Question 6

Describe the clinical signs and diagnostic methods for paratuberculosis.

Answer 6

Clinical signs include chronic weight loss, weakness, increased appetite and thirst, dehydrated skin, pale mucous membranes, and yellowish-green diarrhea. Diagnosis is based on a typical history, clinical signs, and lab exams including Ziehl-Neelson staining, bacterial culture, and serological tests.

Question 7

What is the suggested treatment for paratuberculosis, and why is eradication difficult?

Answer 7

Symptomatic therapy is suggested. Eradication is challenging due to the persistence of the bacterium and difficulty in complete elimination.

Question 8

Explain the etiology and pathogenesis of caecal dilatation and torsion in cattle.

Answer 8

Increased grain intake leads to increased volatile fatty acid (VFA) production, decreased pH, and increased butyric acid. This causes caecal atony, dyspepsia, fermentation, leading to dilatation, dislocation, torsion, and ischemia.

Question 9

What are the clinical signs and diagnostic methods for caecal dilatation and torsion?

Answer 9

Clinical signs include depression, colic, anorexia, rapid cessation of milk production, dehydration, shock, greenish-black pasty- creamy feces, ruminal stasis, and a distended right flank. Diagnosis is based on a target examination of the caecum.

Question 10

Why is small intestinal ileus considered very rare in ruminants?

Answer 10

1. Unique Digestive System: Ruminants, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, have a unique digestive system characterized by a complex stomach with four compartments: rumen, reticulum, omasum, and abomasum. The presence of these compartments allows for extensive fermentation of fibrous plant material. The structure and function of the ruminant digestive system differ significantly from monogastric animals, making certain gastrointestinal conditions, like small intestinal ileus, less common.
2. Rumen Fermentation: The fermentation that occurs in the rumen plays a crucial role in the breakdown of complex carbohydrates. This process produces volatile fatty acids and gases, helping to maintain a healthy digestive motility. The constant production of gas in the rumen aids in preventing obstructions in the small intestine, reducing the likelihood of ileus.
3. Fibrous Diet: Ruminants are adapted to consuming fibrous plant materials. Their diet typically consists of roughage, such as grass and hay, which promotes regular contractions of the digestive tract. This constant movement of ingesta helps prevent the accumulation and impaction that can lead to ileus.
4. Rumen Contractions: The contractions of the rumen and reticulum play a role in the movement of ingesta throughout the digestive system. These contractions contribute to a continuous flow of material, reducing the risk of obstruction in the small intestine.
5. Regurgitation and Rechewing: Ruminants have the ability to regurgitate and rechew their cud, facilitating further breakdown of fibrous material and promoting efficient digestion. This process helps prevent the formation of compacted masses that could cause ileus.