A 25 month old Holstein first calf heifer on a small New York State dairy farm presented to the Cornell University Ambulatory service for a complaint of inappetance of approximately 24 hours. The heifer’s problem list included ketosis, left displaced abomasum, metritis, inappetance, weakness, poor body condition, dehydration and Strongyle infestation. Treatments for the heifer included toggle pin fixation of the displaced abomasum, hypertonic saline, dextrose, dexamethasone, B-vitamins, calcium and antibiotic therapy. The heifer was reported to be doing well approximately 2 weeks after treatment.
Ketosis, primary or secondary, is one of the most common metabolic diseases seen on modern commercial dairy herds. Excessive negative energy balance resulting in ketosis can have many adverse effects on the lactating cow, and successful prevention and treatment of this disease is vital to the success of commercial dairies. This discussion will focus on current ketosis treatments, procedures veterinarians can use to help producers solve a ketosis problem, and pros and cons of varying ketosis monitoring techniques.