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Questions and Answers
Which of the following can prevent the fetus from swallowing amniotic fluid?
What symptom is associated with a history of cardiac, renal, or hepatic diseases?
Which examination is deemed useless in the diagnosis of certain conditions affecting the fetus?
What is the proposed treatment for moderate severity cases involving extra fetal fluid?
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What condition might lead to delayed uterine involution in cows?
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What is the most common type of hydropsy observed in cows?
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Which of the following is a characteristic of hydroamnion?
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What is the prognosis typically associated with hydroallantois?
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In which stage of pregnancy does hydroallantois primarily manifest?
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Which pressure symptom is typically NOT associated with severe forms of hydropsy?
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Which electrolyte imbalance might be observed in hydroallantois?
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What is a common maternal cause leading to hydropsy?
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Which symptom is characteristic of the chronic form of hydropsy?
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Study Notes
Definition and Incidence
- Hydropsy is characterized by abnormal accumulation of fetal fluids in the fetal sacs, amounting to 200 liters.
- Incidence is rare, approximately 1 in 7500 bovine pregnancies, frequently observed in cows and mares.
Types of Hydropsy
- According to affected sac:
- Hydroamnion: Associated with abnormal fetuses (e.g., cleft palate, pituitary hypoplasia, bulldog calves).
- Hydroallantois: Result of placental abnormalities impacting sodium metabolism; mostly seen in the 8th-9th month of pregnancy.
- Key differences between hydroamnion and hydroallantois:
- Incidence: Both are rare.
- Onset: Hydroamnion has insidious onset at 5-6 months; hydroallantois has a rapid onset at 7-8 months.
- Calf Condition: Hydroamnion yields abnormal calves, while hydroallantois results in normal calves.
- Placenta Condition: Hydroamnion has a normal placenta; hydroallantois presents with abnormalities.
- Prognosis: Hydroamnion is guarded, hydroallantois is poor.
- Specific Gravity: Hydroamnion (1.08) vs Hydroallantois (1.02).
- Sodium and Chloride Levels: Hydroamnion (Na 120 nmol/l, Cl 90 nmol/l) vs Hydroallantois (Na 50 nmol/l, Cl 20 nmol/l).
Onset of Disease Forms
- Acute form: Rapid progression and poor outcome.
- Chronic form: Slow progression, generally better prognosis.
Pressure Symptoms
- Rapid fluid accumulation exerts pressure on diaphragm, leading to respiratory distress and dehydration.
- Symptoms include sunken eyes, dullness, depression, and abdominal distension, which may obscure fetal presence.
- Severe distension can cause:
- Rapid, shallow respiration.
- Tachycardia.
- Anorexia.
- Congestion of mucous membranes.
- Forms of pressure symptoms:
- Light: Mild and may go unnoticed; increased abdominal circumference resembling twins.
- Moderate: Manageable condition with the dam standing.
- Severe: Significant respiratory disturbances, ruminal stasis, and recumbency; major health risks with potential fluid accumulation of 40-50 liters.
Causes of Hydropsy
-
Maternal Causes:
- Hereditary factors.
- Circulatory disturbances and placentitis.
- Poor nutrition.
- Uterine diseases.
- Hog cholera vaccination during pregnancy.
-
Fetal Causes:
- Torsion of the navel.
- Fetal abnormalities and kidney diseases.
- Twinning.
- Obstruction of the esophagus preventing fluid swallowing.
Diagnosis
- Based on history and symptoms:
- Pregnant, overdue, and enlarged abdomen.
- Presence of pressure symptoms.
-
Rectal Examination:
- Ovaries are unreachable.
- Enlarged, thin-walled uterus; felt thrill of middle uterine artery.
- Unreachable fetus.
- Vaginal Examination: Not useful in diagnosis.
Differential Diagnosis
- Ascites: Only found in abdominal cavity with history of cardiac, renal, or hepatic diseases; uterus appears normal.
- Twinning: Identified via rectal examination with multiple fetuses present.
- Hydrometra: Linked to cystic ovary tumors; uterus not enlarged.
Management and Outcomes
- Light form: Monitor cow during parturition; risk of retained placenta and uterine inertia.
- Severe form: Recommend slaughter due to fetal demise and significant health risk to dam.
- Moderate form: Drain extra fetal fluid gradually through trocharization; may induce abortion if necessary to alleviate pressure symptoms.
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Description
This quiz covers the topic of hydropysy, an abnormal accumulation of fetal fluids during bovine pregnancies. Learn about the types of hydropysy, incidence rates, and its effects on fetal health. Ideal for veterinary students and professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of this rare condition.
