Causes:
Ketosis is often called "fresh-cow" disease because it almost always occurs during the first 60 days after a high producing animal, calves. Ketosis happens when a cow’s system has a shortage of glucose (blood sugar). The animal’s body demands more glucose than can be readily supplied by carbohydrate intake and stores of glycogen in the liver. The body then turns to the formation and release of ketones. This condition is often associated with fatty liver animals that are overweight at calving.Clinical Signs: Animals with ketosis show an abrupt drop in milk production, loss of appetite (especially for grain), constipation, foul smelling breath, mucus-covered manure, lack of coordination, partial paralysis, rapid weight loss, and lethargy. Some animals may stand and walk humpbacked because of abdominal pain. Some animals show signs of frenzy by bellowing, walking in circles, and chewing on wood or metal. The breath can also have a "sweet" smelling odor.
Diagnosis: Ketone levels can be measured by utilizing a Ketostix or Chem-strip 9 test and a fresh urine sample. High ketone levels in the urine will cause the ketone section of the strip to change color. See page B110 for additional information on obtaining a fresh urine sample.
Often there is an underlying cause for the animal to go off feed. This is termed "secondary ketosis." Problems like mastitis, indigestion, hardware disease, displaced abomasum, and pneumonia should be identified and treated along with the routine ketosis treatment.
Treatment: Increasing blood sugar levels is the most accepted treatment. Usually about 500 mL of a 50 percent Dextrose solution is used for initial treatment. Administration of steroids, such as Predef 2X or Dexamethasone, are used to increase systemic glucose levels and sustain it for long periods of time. A 10 mL injection will bring blood sugar levels to normal within 8 to 24 hours and will last for at least 48 hours. Oral administration of propylene glycol can also be used to help treat ketosis.
Prevention: Nutrition is the key to preventing ketosis. A high quality, balanced ration should be fed to dry cows. Close-up dry cows should be placed on a higher concentrate transition diet 3-4 weeks before calving. Fresh cows should be fed high energy rations appropriate for their level of milk production. A nutritionist should be consulted to ensure that there are adequate protein and carbohydrate levels in the lactating and dry-cow rations being fed.
* Before initiating any treatment, CONSULT A VETERINARIAN!