1-Laboratory Tests
2- Urine Tests
Detect acetoacetate and acetone using nitroprusside sticks.
3- Milk Tests
Commercial milk ketone tests (Ketotest, KetoCheck).
4-Clinical and case history
· Comparative diagnosis and treatment of clinical ketosis and subclinical ketosis in dairy cows.
|
Aspect |
Clinical ketosis |
Subclinical ketosis |
|
Definition |
A significant metabolic disorder with visible clinical signs |
No obvious clinical signs, but elevated ketone bodies in the blood |
|
Incidence rate |
Lower (approximately 2%−10%) |
Higher (approximately 10%−40%) |
|
Clinical signs |
- Reduced or loss of appetite - Decreased milk production - Weight loss - Depression or neurological signs (e.g., circling, licking objects) - Acetone odor in breath or milk |
No obvious clinical signs, but may have slight declines in production performance |
|
Diagnostic methods |
- Observation of clinical signs - Blood BHBA test (>3.0 mmol/L) - Urine or milk ketone test (strong positive) |
- Blood BHBA test (1.2–3.0 mmol/L) - Milk or urine ketone test (weak positive) |
|
Treatment |
- Intravenous glucose infusion (500.0 ml of 50% glucose solution) - Oral propylene glycol (300.0–500.0 ml/day for 3–5 days) - Supplementation with vitamin B12 and corticosteroids (if necessary) - Adjust diet to increase digestible carbohydrates |
- Oral propylene glycol (200.0-300.0 ml/day for 3–5 days) - Adjust diet to optimize energy balance - Supplementation with vitamins and minerals |
|
Prevention |
- Formulate a balanced diet to avoid negative energy balance - Regularly monitor blood or milk ketone levels - Improve management during the transition period to reduce stress |
- Optimize nutrition management during the transition period - Regularly monitor ketone levels - Provide high-quality forage and appropriate concentrates |
|
Prognosis |
Good prognosis with timely treatment, but may affect production and reproductive performance |
Good prognosis with early intervention, effectively preventing progression to clinical ketosis |