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. At the same time, general intoxication and violation of the basic functions of the organ are observed.
Classification of hepatosis
The development of hepatosis is associated with metabolic disorders in cattle. This is a group of non-communicable diseases of various etiologies. It is subdivided into granular, amyloid, carbohydrate and fatty dystrophy.
Pathological dysfunctions are varied, often depending on the nature of hepatosis, but, as a rule, they are accompanied by degenerative changes in the cattle liver. The dystrophy process 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 amenable to correction, and in more severe pathologies, coma usually occurs.
The diagnosis of toxic liver dystrophy in cows is hepatosis of toxic origin. Differs in general intoxication, initial processes of damage in cells. If the disease proceeded in an acute form, then upon opening the organ is flabby, slightly increased 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, yellowish tint can be observed in some types of dystrophy. The center of 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 means are spent on the treatment of cows, which turns out to be ineffective. In addition, milk productivity 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 walks, 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;
- the use of spoiled feed by animals - rotten and moldy;
- poisoning of the cattle organism with toxins of plant and animal origin;
- unbalanced feeding, the predominance of pulp and vinasse in the feed, which are difficult for the digestive tract to digest;
- arises as a complication after diseases of the digestive system of an animal, for example, gastritis, some diseases of an infectious nature;
- develops with diabetes mellitus.
Often the reason for the development of hepatosis in cattle is a violation of the feeding regime of animals - overfeeding or prolonged, regular starvation of cattle.
Symptoms of liver dystrophy in cows
Acute hepatosis develops rapidly. Clinical signs are general malaise, intoxication of the body, jaundice is manifested. Cows are very depressed, weak, 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, gets to its feet with difficulty. Also determined by tachycardia, rapid, intermittent breathing, atony of the proventricles.
In the chronic form of hepatosis, the clinical symptoms are not so pronounced. Some cow depression, general weakness, decreased appetite, dyspeptic disorders are noted. The liver is slightly enlarged, and the animal reacts negatively on palpation. The yellowness of the mucous membranes does not appear at all or is poorly expressed. Body temperature is within normal limits.
A blood test shows a decrease in glucose, an increased content of pyruvic, lactic acid, bilirubin, cholesterol. With toxic dystrophy, the activity of AsAT, ALAT is increased.
Pathologic morphological changes in the liver of a cow with protein-fatty degeneration consist in a significant increase in the organ. Its shade is yellow, the structure is flabby, the cut pattern is slightly smoothed.
With the development of chronic fatty hepatosis, the liver is also enlarged, its edges are rounded. It has a greasy, clayey appearance. Histological examinations indicate dystrophy of hepatocytes in the central part, the structure of the lobes is disorganized. With toxic dystrophy of the cattle liver, 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, turf, root crops, reverse. It is necessary to give vitamin supplements and trace elements.
From medicines used lipotropic, choleretic drugs, injections of vitamins. Of the lipotropic drugs, choline chloride, methionine, lipomid are prescribed. These drugs prevent organ dystrophy and fatty infiltration.
Of the funds that enhance bile formation, bile secretion, magnesium sulfate, cholagon, allochol are prescribed.
Forecast and prevention
Measures aimed at eliminating and preventing the development of hepatosis are in the following points:
- daily control of the quality of feed, prevention of the use of spoiled food by animals;
- nutrition should be balanced;
- the ingress of pesticides and other fertilizers into the feed is unacceptable;
- introduction of trace elements, vitamin supplements, 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 owner of the animal, timely assistance, and qualified treatment, the prognosis of the disease is favorable.
Conclusion
Hepatosis in cattle, like many other diseases of farm animals, is much easier to prevent than to cure. Hepatosis responds well to therapy and disease prevention is simple. During treatment, you should rely on an experienced specialist.
