What does a cow have when udder and nose turn dark red after symptoms of feaver shakes not eating?
Red Nose and Udder in Cattle: Potential Causes and Concerns
When a cow exhibits symptoms such as fever, shakes, loss of appetite, and darkening of the nose and udder, it's crucial to consider several potential causes and underlying health concerns. Here are some possibilities to explore:
Hemorrhagic Septicemia (HS):
Also known as septicemic pasteurellosis or "shipping fever," HS is a contagious bacterial infection primarily caused by Pasteurella multocida, bacteria commonly found in cattle.
It often affects stressed animals during periods of transport, crowding, or exposure to extreme weather conditions. Symptoms include high fever, depression, difficulty breathing, nasal discharge, coughing, labored breathing, dullness, loss of appetite, and the appearance of purplish or reddish discoloration of the affected tissues, including the nose and udder.
Malignant Catarrhal Fever (MCF):
MCF is a highly contagious viral disease affecting various ruminant species, including cattle. It's usually spread through direct contact or exposure to shared contaminated materials like bedding and pasture. Symptoms may vary based on the strain of the virus and include fever, nasal discharge, diarrhea, ocular discharge, oral erosions, severe pneumonia, swelling of the head and limbs, dullness, loss of condition, and red spots on the skin, which might involve the nose and udder.
Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD):
BVD is caused by a contagious virus that can have direct or indirect effects on the health of cattle. While respiratory and/or digestive signs of fever, depression, anorexia, diarrhea, or nasal discharge are possible, some persistent infections can manifest in darker pigmented tissues, often leading to a "black udder" syndrome. However, these changes may often appear with a darker pigment over a more extended period and often coexist with persistent diarrhea.
Other Possible Causes:
Aside from infectious diseases, certain non-infectious conditions can also cause discoloration of the udder.
- Trauma or bruising might induce localized dark redness due to subcutaneous bleeding.
- Photosensitization, resulting from ingestion of specific types of plants, drugs, or toxins, can cause skin sensitivity to sunlight and may cause changes in pigmentation.
Importance of Accurate Diagnosis**
If a cow presents with dark-red pigmented tissue, the causes may not all be straightforward, and the exact origin requires proper diagnosis.
Contacting a veterinarian is crucial to ascertain the diagnosis through relevant tests and provide appropriate treatment based on the underlying cause. Delay in treating certain infectious diseases, especially septicemic conditions, can have severe consequences for animal welfare and mortality rates in the herd.
Early detection, careful monitoring, timely medical interventions, and appropriate biosecurity measures play a vital role in the management and prevention of these diseases and ensure overall bovine health and well-being.