Atrial fibrillation associated with dexamethasone in dairy cattle

AbstractCorticosteroids are commonly administered to dairy cows with ketosis to enhance gluconeogenesis, but their use has also been associated with development of bovine hypokalemia syndrome (BHKS). Four-year-old Holstein dairy cattle presented with somnolence, depression, anorexia, weakness, sunken eye, pallor mucus membrane, and cardiac arrhythmia. Owner described that she suffered from dystocia and metritis that received broad spectrum antibiotic and ketofen for 4  days. Treatment continued with dexamethasone, vitamin B complex, and antibiotic for five consecutive days to resolve the problem but lethargy and discomfort were prolonged. During clinical examination, rumen contractions decreased, abdominal contour was normal, and there was no evidence of tinklin g and/or splashing sound in both side of the abdomen. Poor uterine involution and chronic purulent vaginal laceration were noticed in urogenital tract examination. Electrocardiogram was taken, tachyarrhythmia, irregular R-R and QT intervals, and P wave absence confirmed the presence of atrial fibril lation. Serum biochemical analysis were assayed and showed that troponin I, sodium, chloride, calcium, and phosphorus were placed in normal reference range, but serum potassium concentration was slightly lower than normal reference range. Clinical and laboratory findings confirmed the presence of hy pokalemia syndrome and four consecutive days treatment with intravenous ringer’s solution (30 ml/kg/day), orally given 10...
Source: Comparative Clinical Pathology - Category: Pathology Source Type: research