Bovine gastrointestinal disease

ENTERITIS IN ADULT CATTLE

DIAGNOSTICS

Faeces should be submitted for culture and susceptibility testing if Salmonellosis is suspected.

TREATMENT

Antimicrobial therapy is not indicated for enteritis in adult cattle that are systemically well.

Systemic antimicrobials are indicated when:

• Invasive Salmonellosis is suspected
• Signs of sepsis

Trimethoprim / sulphonamide or oxytetracycline are suitable choices. 

DURATION OF THERAPY

5 days is generally considered adequate.

PERITONITIS

DIAGNOSTICS

Abdominocentesis is recommended for cytological evaluation at a minimum and preferably also for culture and susceptibility testing.

Consider origin of bacterial contamination as this affects prognosis.

TREATMENT

Broad-spectrum coverage is required as a mixed population of bacteria are usually present, including anaerobes.

Oxytetracycline is preferred. Trimethoprim / sulphonamide is a suitable alternative. Both should be used twice daily.

DURATION OF THERAPY

Dependent on severity. Mild cases (post-surgery) may respond in 5 days. GI contamination (i.e. following rupture of an abomasal ulcer) may require 2-3 weeks of therapy.