Diarrhoea Refresher Flashcards
For a calf less than 6 months old with diarrhoea, what are your top differentials and what ages do they typically appear?
E.Coli = less than 7 days old
Rotavirus and Coronavirus (7 - 21 days)
Cryptosporidium (7-21 days)
Clostridia Perfringens - any age pre-weaning
Salmonella Spp - any age
What are the non-infectious causes of diarrhoea in cattle?
Carbohydrate overload
Poison’s and toxins
Copper deficiency
What are your top differentials for diahorrhea in adult cattle?
Johne’s Disease (MAP)
Winter Dysentry (Coronavirus)
Salmonella Spp.
Sub-Acute Ruminal Acidosis (SARA)
Mycotoxins (Spoiled Silage)
For a lamb less than 4 weeks old, list the causes of diarhroea and state the top 3 most likely differentials
- E.coli (watery mouth)
- Clostridium Perfringens Type B (Lamb Dystentry)
- Cryptosporidium
Other causes:
- Incorrect mixing of milk replacer (nutritional)
- Rotavirus
For a lamb more than 4 weeks old, list the causes of diarhroea and state the top 3 most likely differentials
- Coccidiosis
- Nematodirus Battus
- Parasitic gastroenteritis (PGE)
Other
- Rumen acidosis (creep feeding)
For a lamb sheep, list the causes of diarhroea
Salmonella (see abortions too)
Acidosis (excessive grain intake)
Sudden diet change
Johne’s Disease = less likely to cause scour in sheep!!!!
For pigs less than 4 weeks with diarrhoea , list the top differential and state if there is a vaccine available.
Coccidiosis (Eimeria spp.) = No vaccine
E. coli (Neonatal Scour) = vaccine for sow
Rotavirus = vaccine for sow
Clostridium perfringens (Type A and C Enteritis) = vaccine for sow
PCV-2 & PRRS if sow positive, unstable = vaccine (live so interfere with serology testing)
For pigs greater than 4 weeks old with diarrhoea, what are the differentials?
SWINE DYSENTRY (Brachyspira hyodysenteriae) - No smell
Ileitis (Lawsonia intracellularis)
Salmonella spp. = vaccine: sow and piglets
E. coli = sow vaccine
Brachyspira pilosicoli (Colitis) = mild version of swine dysentery (no blood in faeces)
PCV-2 & PRRS if sow positive, unstable = vaccine (live so interfere with serology testing)
List the differentials for chickens with diarrhoea
Necrotic Enteritis (Clostridium perfringens) = NO vaccine!
Brachyspira spp. = yellow frothy faeces
Salmonella spp.
Coccidiosis (Eimeria spp.)
Infectious Bronchitis resp signs & red droppings
Infectious Bursal Disease (Gumboro)
A 5-day-old calf presents with white pasty diarrhoea and dehydration. What is the most likely cause?
E. coli
When signs would prompt you to give a calf IVFT
IVFT when 8% dehydration or no suckle reflex!
- 5% deficit - skin tent start
- 8% - enophthalmos (sunken eye)
- 10% - recumbent
- 12-15% - dead
Why is E. coli more common in calves less than 7 days old?
ETEC Receptors are only present until 7 days old. Pathogens attach to receptors on SI and produce enterotoxins. It causes hypersecretion in the intestines, leading to rapid fluid loss, and neonates have immature immunity.
What are key supportive treatments for calf diarrhoea caused by Rotavirus?
Fluids and electrolytes (no specific antiviral treatment).
What is the treatment for Cryptosporidium in calves?
Halofuginone and supportive therapy (fluids).
Which protozoal infection causes diarrhoea with tenesmus and weight loss in calves between 3 weeks and 6 months old?
Eimeria (Coccidiosis).
What zoonotic protozoal infection commonly affects calves within 14-21 days of age?
Cryptosporidium.
A 3-day-old intensively reared lamb presents with lethargy, hypersalivation, and a distended abdomen. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Watery mouth (E. coli infection).
Which pathogen causes acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea in pre-weaning calves and can lead to sudden death?
Clostridium perfringens
How can you prevent watery mouth in lambs?
Ensure adequate colostrum intake and good hygiene.
How does Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) affect a herd?
Causes immunosuppression, chronic diarrhoea, and can result in persistently infected (PI) animals (cow infected less than 120 days in calf)
A dairy cow presents with chronic weight loss and persistent diarrhoea. What is the most likely differential?
Johne’s Disease (Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis).
How is Johne’s Disease diagnosed?
Faecal PCR or serology (milk and blood tests).
What bacterial disease causes sudden death and haemorrhagic diarrhoea in lambs <3 weeks old?
Clostridium perfringens Type B (Lamb Dysentery).
