Studies on the Aetiology and Treatment of Hypophosphataemia Developed Naturally in Cattle From Van Region of Turkey

Abstract

The study investigated the aetiology and treatment of cattle with symptoms of lameness, stiff gait and bone fractures in the Van region of Turkey. The study was performed on 200 diseased and 50 healthy cattle aged between 1-8 years old, of both sexes. Blood samples for haematological and biochemical analysis were taken once from the healthy animals and twice from the diseased animals. Fodder samples were also collected. Total protein levels and P values of the diseased animals before treatment compared to the healthy control animals were lower while ALP and Ca were higher. After treatment an increase in the total protein (P < 0.05) and P (P < 0.001) was observed, and a decrease in ALP (P < 0.001), and Ca (P < 0.05). Phosphorus concentrations in the fodder of the diseased animals were significantly lower. Analysis of the haematological, biochemical parameters of the animals and their fodder showed typical changes for hypophosphataemia. The diseased animals were treated by receiving unorganic P and vitamin D3 injected intramuscularly and mineral suplementation which was administered orally. The animals were observed for 30 days. After treatment, the symptoms observed in the diseased animals disappeared gradually as well as pica symptoms. Supplementing P to the animal's fodder is vital in order to avoid such problems in the future.