Transport Tetany in Ruminants
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Transcript of Transport Tetany in Ruminants
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7/27/2019 Transport Tetany in Ruminants
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Transport Tetany in Ruminants:
Introduction
(Railroad disease, Railroad sickness, Staggers)
Transport tetany occurs after the stress of prolonged transport, typically in cows and ewes
in late pregnancy, although it is also seen in lambs transported to feedlots and in cattle
and in sheep transported to slaughter. Crowded, hot, poorly ventilated transport vehicles
(railroad cars or trailers) with minimal or no access to feed or water appear to predispose
animals to the condition; however, prolonged travel by foot is also a risk factor. The
disease is characterized by recumbency, GI stasis, and coma, and is generally fatal.
Although cows in late gestation are most commonly affected, the disease is also seen in
cows that have recently calved, as well as in bulls, steers, and dry cows. Risk factors
include heavy feeding prior to shipment, deprivation of feed and water for >24 hr during
transit, and unrestricted access to water and exercise immediately after arrival. Exposure
to hot environmental conditions is also associated with an increased incidence. While the
specific cause of tetany is unknown, the condition may be a form of acute hypocalcemia
precipitated by late pregnancy and early lactation, or by fasting before or during transit.
Physical stress is undoubtedly related. Hypomagnesemia may be a precipitating factor in
cattle and a contributing factor in sheep.
Clinical signs in cattle may occur while in transit or up to 48 hr after arrival. Early clinical
signs include restlessness and excitement, trismus, and grinding of teeth. A staggering
gait may be observed and later, if recumbent, cattle often demonstrate paddling of the
hindlegs. Rumen motility and GI stasis is observed and animals become completely
anorectic. Tachycardia and rapid, labored respiration may be observed. Abortion may be a
complication. Cattle that do not recover gradually become more obtunded to the point of
coma and die within 3-4 days. Moderate hypocalcemia and hypophosphatemia may be
observed in cattle. Some sheep are hypocalcemic and hypomagnesemic or hypoglycemic;
however, some show no measurable biochemical abnormalities. No specific lesions are
observed at necropsy aside from lesions associated with prolonged recumbency. Ischemic
muscle necrosis is the most common of these. In lambs, early signs include restlessness,
staggering, and partial hindlimb paralysis followed by lateral recumbency. Death can occur
rapidly or after 2-3 days of recumbency. In lambs, mild hypocalcemia may be noted.
Recovery rates are fair even with treatment. The relationship of clinical signs with
transport or forced, prolonged exercise is diagnostic.
Some animals respond to treatment with combinations of parenteral calcium, magnesium,
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and glucose. IV injections of calcium borogluconate (25% solution at 400-800 mL/cow or
100 mL/ewe) or calcium borogluconate with magnesium sulfate (5% solution, same
volumes) can be administered slowly. A dose of 50 mL can be given SC, SID, to affected
lambs in feedlots. Repeated injections may be warranted, but failure to respond is common
(50%) and most likely due to concurrent muscle necrosis. Additional treatment
considerations include IV administration of large volumes of polyionic fluids such as
lactated Ringers solution. Animals should be offered good quality feeds (eg, alfalfa hay),
fresh water, and soft bedding with good footing underneath. Sedation may be necessary if
animals are hyperexcitable or convulsing.
If prolonged transport times of cows or ewes in advanced pregnancy is unavoidable,
animals should be fed a restricted diet several days prior to shipment, then provided
adequate feed, water, and rest periods during transport. Administration of ataractic agents
(unless transport is to slaughter) such as promazine hydrochloride before loading is
recommended, especially for nervous animals. Upon unloading at the destination, animals
should be allowed limited access to water for the first 24 hr and minimal exercise for 2-3
days.