Transport tetany
Transport tetany is a disease which occurs in cows and ewes after the stress of prolonged transport in crowded, hot and poorly ventillated vehicles. It is commonly seen in animals in late pregnancy and those transported to slaughter in crowded, hot, and poorly ventillated vehicles. The disease is generally fatal, even with treatment, unless detected early.[1][2] It is also known as "transit tetany",[2] "railroad disease", "railroad sickness", or "staggers".[1]
Early clinical signs include restlessness, excitement, trismus, grinding of teeth, staggering gait and later paddling of hind legs. Rumen hypomotility, gastrointestinal stasis and anorexia develop. Also may develop tachycardia and rapid, labored respiration. If not recovered, cattle die, often after a coma.[1]
It may also happen in horses.[3]
References
- 1 2 3 "Overview of Transport Tetany in Ruminants", in Merck Manuals
- 1 2 Medical dictionary, 2011.
- ↑ "Hypocalcemic Tetany in Horses", in Merck Manuals