Treatment for Ruminal Acidosis

Ruminal acidosis can affect the ability of cattle to gain weight in feedlots.

Ruminal acidosis is a disorder that can affect any kind of ruminant animal. It is a problem that is gaining increased attention as it is difficult to treat and can be devastating to large herds. Ruminal acidosis can kill off livestock, affect weight gain in feedlots, and it shows up regularly at confined dairies.

Definition

Ruminal acidosis occurs when acid collects in the body tissues, and alkaline reserves in the blood of the cow are depleted. Ruminal acidosis does not apply to one symptom or problem. Rather it is a name that refers to several conditions that work together to endanger the life of the livestock. As ruminal acidosis begins to develop, the pH level of the rumen begins to decrease. As the pH level drops, the digestion begins to slow down and the problems progress and multiply.

Deciding When to Treat

When large numbers of livestock contract ruminal acidosis, it can be difficult and expensive to treat. An individual animal may be treated with much more success than an entire or large portion of a herd. The value of the livestock should be considered when dealing with large numbers suffering from ruminal acidosis. The more valuable animals should be assessed and treated over less valuable stock. Severe cases of ruminal acidosis should be treated only when the economic value of the animal deems it necessary. Severe cases will need to be removed from the rest of the herd during treatment and will require extensive time and money to treat properly.

Treatment of Mild Cases

For treating mild cases of ruminal acidosis, concentrated supplements should be removed from the diet. Saliva production needs to be increased and the feeding of hay and other feed that requires the cattle to chew longer will assist with saliva production. Antacids such as magnesium hydroxide or magnesium oxide can be added to the diet. This treatment should be supplemented with abundant water and frequent monitoring.

Treatment of Severe Cases

Animals with severe cases of ruminal acidosis that are showing dehydration, are collapsed, or have static rumen and show signs of scouring, should only be treated if the economic value of the animal outweighs the expense of treatment. If treatment is deemed necessary, all concentrates should be suspended. An IV will need to be started for intravenous fluids to reduce the dehydration. An antibiotic regimen should be started to reduce the risk of damage to the liver.

Medications

Medications can be used in a supportive role to assist severe cases and help to prevent secondary problems while the animal is trying to recover from ruminal acidosis. Flunixin meglumine can be administered for endotoxaemia. Antihistamines should be added to control any potentially adverse effects of a histamine release during treatment. Thiamine should also be given every other day to assist with preventing polioencephalomalacia.

References

• Ruminal Acidosis: Prevention and Treatment
• The Merck Veterinary Manual: Subacute Ruminal Acidosis