Content
Hepatosis in cattle is the general name for liver diseases, which are characterized by dystrophic changes in the parenchyma in the absence of inflammatory processes. In this case, general intoxication and disruption of the basic functions of the organ are observed.
Classification of hepatoses
The development of hepatosis is associated with metabolic disorders in cattle. This is a group of non-communicable diseases of various etiologies. It is divided into granular, amyloid, carbohydrate and fatty forms of dystrophy.
Pathological dysfunctions are varied, often depending on the nature of hepatosis, but, as a rule, are accompanied by dystrophic changes in the liver of cattle. The process of degeneration can begin from the edges of the lobule, sometimes from the center or from all lobules at once. Moreover, if the stroma of the organ remains intact, then the changes are most often reversible and can be corrected, and with more severe pathologies, coma usually occurs.
The diagnosis of toxic liver dystrophy in cows is hepatosis of toxic origin. It is distinguished by general intoxication and the initial processes of damage in cells. If the disease occurs in an acute form, then upon autopsy the organ is flabby and slightly enlarged in size.In the case of a chronic course of the disease, the organ is of normal size or slightly reduced. The pattern is variegated; areas of irregular shape and a yellowish tint may be observed in some types of dystrophy. The center of the cattle lobules may undergo necrosis.
Reasons for the development of hepatosis in cattle
Among the various pathological processes in the liver of cattle, the leading ones are hepatosis, which causes economic damage to owners and farms. Financial resources are spent on treating cows, which turns out to be ineffective. In addition, milk production in animals decreases, the disease often leads to infertility, and when an animal is slaughtered, the liver, which is a valuable product, must be disposed of.
The following reasons lead to the development of hepatosis in cattle:
- lack of active walking, due to which ketones formed in the liver are not wasted by the muscles, but accumulate in the blood and urine, this provokes the development of ketosis;
- consumption by animals of spoiled feed - rotten and moldy;
- poisoning of the cattle body with toxins of plant and animal origin;
- unbalanced feeding, predominance of pulp and stillage in the feed, which are difficult to digest in the gastrointestinal tract;
- occurs as a complication after diseases of the animal’s digestive system, for example, gastritis, some infectious diseases;
- develops in diabetes mellitus.
Often the cause of the development of hepatosis in cattle is a violation of the feeding regime of animals - excessive feeding or prolonged, regular starvation of cattle.
Symptoms of liver dystrophy in cows
Acute hepatosis develops rapidly. Clinical signs include general malaise, intoxication of the body, and jaundice.The cows are very depressed, weak, and there is a slight increase in body temperature. Appetite may be slightly reduced or absent altogether.
Acute liver dystrophy in cows develops before calving or in the first few days after it. The animal often lies down and has difficulty getting to its feet. Tachycardia, rapid, intermittent breathing, and preventricular atony are also detected.
In the chronic form of hepatosis, clinical symptoms are not so clearly expressed. Some depression of the cow, general weakness, decreased appetite, and dyspeptic disorders are noted. The liver is slightly enlarged in volume; upon palpation, the animal reacts negatively. The yellowness of the mucous membranes does not appear at all or is weakly expressed. Body temperature is within normal limits.
A blood test shows a decrease in glucose levels, an increased content of pyruvic acid, lactic acid, bilirubin, and cholesterol. In toxic dystrophy, the activity of AST and ALT is increased.
Pathological and morphological changes in the liver of a cow with protein-fatty degeneration consist of a significant increase in the organ. Its shade is yellow, the structure is flabby, the pattern on the cut is slightly smoothed out.
With the development of chronic fatty hepatosis, the liver is also enlarged, its edges are rounded. It has a greasy, clayey appearance. Histological studies indicate degeneration of hepatocytes in the central part, the structure of the lobes is disorganized. In case of toxic liver dystrophy in cattle, necrotic changes are noted.
Treatment of hepatosis in cattle
First of all, the main causes of the disease are eliminated.The diet includes high-quality hay, grass, dirt, root vegetables, and skim milk. It is necessary to give vitamin supplements and microelements.
Medicines used include lipotropic, choleretic drugs, and vitamin injections. Lipotropic drugs include choline chloride, methionine, and lipomide. These drugs prevent organ degeneration and fatty infiltration.
Among the drugs that enhance bile formation and excretion, magnesium sulfate, cholagon, and allochol are prescribed.
Prognosis and prevention
Measures aimed at eliminating and preventing the development of hepatosis include the following points:
- daily control of feed quality, preventing animals from eating spoiled food;
- nutrition should be balanced;
- It is unacceptable for pesticides and other fertilizers to get into the feed;
- introduction of trace elements, vitamin supplements, and premixes into the cattle diet, which significantly strengthen the animal’s body;
- prevention of metabolic diseases.
As a rule, with a quick response from the animal owner, timely assistance, and qualified treatment, the prognosis for the disease is favorable.
Conclusion
Hepatosis in cattle, like many other diseases of farm animals, is much easier to prevent than to treat. Hepatosis responds well to therapy and prevention of the disease is simple. During treatment, you should trust an experienced specialist.
