Synonyms

No known synonym; similar to marasmus (energy deficiency) and kwashiorkor (protein deficiency) in human medicine

Name of the disease in English

Malnutrition-Starvation; hay-bellied (literally “hay belly”)

The disease in brief

Insufficient diet in quantity or quality, particularly based on poorly digestible fodder (rich in lignocellulose, coarse fibers, deficient in energy) And in proteins), without any specific determining deficiency.

Very frequently observed in young cattle in the growth phase and after poorly managed weaning. The fattening status (body condition) is low to very low and amyotrophy (muscle concavity) is marked.

The consumption of coarse and poorly digestible forages, combined with atrophy of the abdominal muscles, leads to a "big belly" disproportionate to the rest of the body, due to the combination of reticulo-ruminal distension and relaxation of the abdominal belt.

Over a prolonged period of several months, and at a very low frequency, edema of the trough or dewlap, or even ascites, may appear, explained by a decrease in blood oncotic pressure linked to marked hypoalbuminemia.  

Clinic & diagnosis

Lean bovine, with dull and long hair, with a strong distension of the abdomen, in the ventral and lower region, on the right and left sides, pear-shaped; sometimes a liquid content is detected on succussion of the flank.

Typical sign of the disease

No description

Pictures

See below

Diagnostic formulas

No description

Differential diagnosis

-DIG27.1 - Subacute peritonitis

-N53 - Hepatic failure (to be specified)

-N14 - Right heart failure – “Cor pulmonale” (Cor pulmonale)

N44 – Uroperitoneum – Bladder rupture

-PG 30.3 - Ascites of origin to be specified

Confirm a suspicion?

Trans-abdominal puncture to eliminate distensions of liquid origin (ascites, uro-peritoneum, liquid exudative peritonitis, etc.).

In chronic cases (lasting more than a few months), hypoalbuminemia and hypoproteinemia develop.

Prognosis and treatment

Return cattle to a diet adapted to their needs, particularly in terms of protein and energy.

Distribute at will, by multiplying the meals, good quality energy and protein fodder, very digestible, with suitable supplementation in concentrated foods, minerals, trace elements and vitamins.

Prevention

Respect good breeding and feeding practices.

References

Veterinary Medicine-Pocket companion -9th Edition BLOOD DC-page 32