Fatty Liver Syndrome in Cattle

Keeping cattle in prime production condition is a constant struggle for dairy and beef farmers. Even landowners with a pleasure farm who keep a few cattle for pleasure purposes are often stymied by their cow's lack of prime condition and need to understand the principles behind fatty liver syndrome in cattle. Fatty liver syndrome is a condition that is much better prevented than attempting to cure. Oftentimes, once the disease is at a stage where it is noticeable for what it is, it is too late to make the necessary changes, and it can be fatal.

  1. Fat Condition

    • Fat on the carcass of cattle is not a factor in causing the disease itself, although it can have some influence in the disease development as a secondary contributor. Fatty liver syndrome is caused not by fat on the body but rather by too much fat being processed by the cow's liver. The liver's function is to break down the fat in a cow's diet. If more fat than it can handle is passed through the liver for conversion, the liver converts the components of fat back into solid and stores it in the liver to keep toxins from the buildup from causing damage to the body and other organs.

    Pregnancy

    • While many cattle can handle the overflow of fats in general, pregnant cattle have an even more difficult time because of the additional strain on the body. The last months of pregnancy are when severe signs of fatty liver syndrome are likely to show up. The pregnant cow may suffer a sudden flair of activity causing ketosis, accelerated weight loss and often death.

    Postpartum Occurrences

    • Although fatty liver syndrome can occur in pregnant cows, it occurs much more frequently postpartum due to strain on the body and rapid changes in milk production. This draws fat from the body and can cause a sudden flair in fatty liver syndrome, resulting in "milk fever," ketosis and reduced milk production.

    Diagnosis

    • Blood tests are often required to determine fatty liver syndrome. Prepregnancy trouble in conception should be carefully examined as a potential sign of fatty liver syndrome. At any time and especially during pregnancy or postpartum, look for signs of sudden unexplained weight loss, lethargy or droopiness. Consult a veterinarian to determine if fatty liver syndrome is the cause. Severe signs of accelerated fatty liver syndrome do not bode well for cattle. All stages of fatty liver syndrome have a high level of fatality, but severe signs signal a more advanced degree of the disease that is especially resistant to any treatment.

    Treatment

    • The typical treatment for fatty liver syndrome is the same as that for ketosis: transfusions of glucose, corticosteroids and propylene glycol.

    Prevention

    • Keeping cows in production in peak condition with an appropriate body fat score for their body type (dairy or beef) is the best prevention for fatty liver syndrome. However, any of the signs above, even in an animal that appears to be in good condition, should be immediately treated by a veterinarian.