Student Case Presentation
Cluster of Bovine Hematochezia Cases at Cattle Exhibition
| Date/Time: |
9/11/2025 3:00 pm
|
| Presenter: |
Cady McGehee |
| Veterinary School: |
WI |
Abstract:
Three Holstein heifers, two aged 5 months and one 13 months, presented to the UWVC Large Animal Hospital for Hematochezia from a cattle exhibition in Madison, WI. The two 5-month-old heifers were transported from Connecticut, and the 13-month-old was transported from Maryland days prior to breaking with diarrhea, which swiftly turned into profuse Hematochezia. All three heifers had been exhibited at other shows in the northeastern United States in the months prior to presentation. On initial examination at the show, all three heifers were dull, painful, hyporexic, and febrile. They received various treatments on-site from their respective owners prior to referral. Upon arrival to the referral hospital, initial diagnostics included a complete physical exam, point of care blood gas, thoracic and abdominal ultrasound, complete blood count, blood chemistry, packed cell volume, serum total protein, and fecal salmonella screening. Notable initial diagnostic and physical exam findings for all three heifers included tachycardia, hypoproteinemia, electrolyte disturbances, hypovolemia, and hemoconcentration. The heifer that had been clinically ill the longest was also anemic and thrombocytopenic. Due to the severity and progression of their clinical signs, they were immediately started on antibiotics and supportive care. The most severely impacted heifer's packed cell volume continued to decline after hospitalization, prompting a whole blood transfusion. Various diagnostic tests were performed to determine the causative agent. Ultimately, all three heifers tested strongly positive for Bovine Coronavirus on PCR. All three heifers were discharged with physical exam and blood values trending favorably. Bovine Coronavirus is a common cause of diarrhea in young calves, shipping fever pneumonia in feedlot cattle, and winter dysentery, especially in stressed lactating animals. Most cases in older, immune-competent animals are self-limiting. However, it is important to understand the extremes of the disease and the interventions that may be necessary for severely impacted animals.
