Ruminal Lactic Acidosis In Cow: Clinical Assessment

Ruminal lactic acidosis is a condition that arises in ruminants due to the ingestion of excess quantities of easily digestible grains leading to diarrhea, anorexia and physiological derangements which can be fatal in severe cases. A clinical case of cow with history of rice flour ingestion showing signs of acute ruminal lactic acidosis was managed. The pH of ruminal fluid was 5.1. The number of live protozoa in the ruminal fluid was almost nil. Blood analysis confirmed marked alterations due to dehydration. Electrolyte imbalance was evident in biochemical tests. Cow was treated with intraruminal administration of Magnesium hydroxide and Sodium bicarbonate. Full recovery was achieved without any complications.