Dr.iCow’s Diary
Date: 04.02.20.20
Dear Dr.iCow,
Nina ng’ombe imekauka kinyeshi. Inahitaji dawa gani? (I have a cow that is producing hard faeces. Which medications
From: Daudi, County: Narok, Kenya
Discussion:
The bull has been having constipation and is being left behind by other animals when grazing and appears tired, is feeding poorly and is standing most of the time. Constipation is a sign of an underlying condition or disease and this case is suggestive of anaplasmosis which is transmitted by ticks, biting flies and mechanically through veterinary instruments like unsterilized needles and surgical instruments. The parasite attacks the red blood cells causing anaemia resulting in weakness and breathing problems and more so when an infected animal is walking and feeding.
Dear Daudi,
The bull, having constipation is showing a sign of an underlying illness and in this case your bull is suffering from anaplasmosis or ndigana baridi. The disease is mainly transmitted by ticks. It presents with loss of appetite, weakness, paleness around eyes and muzzle, fever, depression, laboured breathing rapid reluctant to walk, pale mucous membranes, reduced milk production and constipation.
To overcome constipation, treatment must be given to address the underlying disease. It is very good you called a vet who examined and gave treatment to the bull. Give the bull easy and free access to clean drinking water, fresh green forages like nappier grass, sweet potatoes vines and hay, minerals supplements like Maclik Beef or Vital Nyama.
The forages should be mixed, chopped and molasses may be added and fed together. Rest the bull under a shade and minimize his movements until he recovers and regains strength. There is a need to improve on tick control in the herd so as to prevent tick borne diseases like the one the bull is having. Constipation can be relieved by giving the affected animal some Epsom salt.
Control of external parasites like ticks, lice, mites, fleas and adult flies is very important. They cause diseases, nuisance like itching, inflammation of the skin and losses in production. Ticks transmit tick borne diseases like E.C.F. Anaplasmosis, Heart-water, Babesiosis also called Red-water and also cause irritation and damage to the hides. Tick control is very important and is done by using the right acaricides and in correct concentration. This may be done by dipping in cattle dips or by spraying. There are;
i. Amitraz based acaricides. E.g. Triatix, Taktic, Tix-Fix and Norotraz.
ii. Synthetic Pyrethroids based products. E.g. Ectomin, Decatix, Dominex, Vectocid, Grenade and Delete. Consider changing the acaricide you are using currently. It is advisable to spray or dip your cattle at least once a week and when the tick challenge is high, e.g. at start of rainy season it can be done twice a week. If hand spraying, restrain the animal properly, to thorough soaking use 15 -20 litres of wash per adult animal. Successful control of ticks using this method depends on; – proper animal restrain, – accurate measurement and mixing of the acaricide, – use of an efficient pump, – thorough application of the wash on all parts of the animal.
The cow should be sprayed from the rear end working towards the head: starting with the hind legs, inside and outside, then the udder, scrotum in a bull, under the tail, the tail itself, the belly, flanks, back line, front legs, shoulders, neck and head, ending with the inside of the ears and always spraying in an upward direction. Thank you.
Anaplasmosis in cattle is an infectious disease of the red blood cells and mainly transmitted by ticks. It is a treatable disease and treatment is most effective if given in the early stage of the disease.
The 3 main principles which govern the correct and efficient use of the wash are;
i. – it must be applied at the correct strength.
ii. – it must be applied to wet thoroughly animal’s entire skin.
iii. -it must be applied regularly at correct intervals.
Basic methods of application are;
a. – Total immersion e.g. in the plunge dipping tank.
b. – Spraying the wash on the cattle, e.g. in the power operated spray race, and hand-spraying. It is advisable to change an acaricide used for a long period so as to avoid development of tick resistance to that particular acaricide.
Thank you
From your friend and advisor,
Dr.iCow