Thursday, October 3
Question of the Day
A high-producing dairy cow that freshened three weeks ago is off feed. On physical exam her heart and respiratory rates are within normal limits. T=101.2°F (38.4°C) [N=100.4–102.8°F (38.0–39.3°C)]
There is decreased rumen motility and a urine test for ketone bodies is positive. There is no evidence of mastitis and the uterus is clear of infection.
On the left side, a high-pitched musical “ping” is audible via stethoscope during percussion over the ribs on a line between the elbow and tuber coxae (hip).
What acid-base abnormality is most likely in this cow?