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Audit finds high levels of hidden ketosis
30 per cent of newly calved cows in state of subclinical ketosis

In a recent audit of UK dairy herds, it was found that the prevalence of subclinical or 'hidden' ketosis averaged 30 per cent in newly calved cows. Levels in individual herds varied from 10 to 60 per cent. These cows were not only found to be more likely to develop clinical ketosis, but were also at greater risk of developing other metabolic and reproductive disorders such as retained placenta, displaced abomasum and milk fever.

763 cows from 15 dairy herds were tested in the UK farm audits. Ketosis was determined by measuring beta-hydroxbutyrate (BHBA) levels in the milk of cows which had calved 7 to 21 days previously. Levels were measured using the cow-side diagnostic Keto-Test, and a positive diagnosis was given when BHBA levels exceeded 100mol/litre. The cows were also observed during the first 35 days of lactation, not only to see if clinical ketosis developed, but also to monitor other potential health problems that may arise.

The study was also conducted across four other European countries - Germany, France, Italy and The Netherlands, testing a total of 2,489 cows. The audit revealed that cows testing positive for hidden ketosis were 11.5 times more likely to progress to clinical ketosis. They were also 1.7 times more likely to have a difficult calving, 2.2 times more likely to have had a retained placenta and 1.8 times more likely to have had milk fever.

Other results suggested these animals were 4.5 times more likely to suffer gastrointestinal distress, 2.3 times more likely to get mastitis and 2.7 times more likely to get a displaced abomasum. The audit additionally found a small but significant trend indicating an increased susceptibility to metritis.

Technical consultant for Elanco Mike Steele said: "Clinical ketosis was diagnosed in 1 per cent of cows surveyed in the main audit. This is in line with previous findings. It highlights that whilst clinical cases of ketosis are rare, these cases are just 'the tip of the iceberg' and a much larger number of animals will be experiencing subclinical levels of ketosis.

"These may develop into clinical ketosis and/or other clinical disease, as the survey demonstrated."

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.