Open AccessLiver Abscesses in Holstein Dairy Cattle: 18 Cases (1992–2003)
Author(s) -
Doré Elizabeth,
Fecteau Gilles,
Hélie Pierre,
Francoz David
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of veterinary internal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.356
H-Index - 103
eISSN - 1939-1676
pISSN - 0891-6640
DOI - 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2007.tb03031.x
Subject(s) - medicine , neutrophilia , liver abscess , indigestion , gastroenterology , peritonitis , anaerobic bacteria , abscess , corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis , surgery , biology , bacteria , genetics
Background : The characteristic clinical manifestations, clinicopathologic findings, treatment, and outcome of dairy cattle with liver abscess are poorly defined. Animals : The study included 18 Holstein cows with liver abscesses. Methods : A retrospective study of medical records was performed. Cattle with liver abscess were identified by ultrasound examination or exploratory laparotomy. Results : The most common reason for examination was anorexia (14/18). Five cows had fever, 5 were bradycardic, and 5 were tachycardic. Peritonitis (n = 6) and vagal indigestion (n = 4) were the most frequently associated diseases. Neutrophilia (n = 14), hyperfibrinogenemia (n = 11), and high serum globulin concentration (n = 10) were characteristic of chronic inflammation. Evidence of liver disease on serum biochemistry profile was uncommon. The most common bacterium isolated from the abscess was Arcanobacterium pyogenes (n = 4). Anaerobic bacteria were isolated frequently (n = 7). There were 6 polymicrobial isolates, with both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, out of 8 positive samples. Medical treatment was successful in 5 of 7 cattle. Five cows were euthanized and postmortem examination revealed 2 cattle with thrombosis of caudal vena cava. Conclusions and Clinical Importance : Holstein dairy cattle affected by liver abscess exhibit no pathognomonic clinical signs. Clinicopathologic findings were often consistent with a chronic active inflammation. Liver abscesses should be included in the differential diagnosis in cattle with a chronic inflammatory process, cranial peritonitis, or vagal indigestion. Prolonged treatment with antimicrobials might be successful.