Liver Abscess
General Description
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Liver abscess is a disease marked by inflammation and necrosis of the liver.
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Lesions that occur on the liver are pale yellow, often spherical with necrosis of the liver cells and the surrounding area which leads to inflammation of the liver.
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Abscesses are found in all ages and breeds of cattle and under all types of management, but most cases are found in beef cattle from feedlots due to a high grain content diet.
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Feedlot cattle with abscessed livers have reduced feed conversion efficiency, and those with severely abscessed livers gain 5–15% less per day than cattle without abscesses, reducing production rate and resulting carcases weight.
Cause
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Fusobacteriumnecrophorum, an anaerobic bacteria, is the primary agent of the disease.
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The disease is initiated by a physical opening in the rumen outer layer, allowing bacteria that is normally contained to enter the blood steam.
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Acidosis is often the first step in creating an entrance point for bacteria in the rumen.
Clinical Signs
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No obvious clinical signs on farm or in feedlot. However, maybe suspected due to reduced production efficiency.
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Disease is found at slaughter when the whole liver is condemned due to abscess in the liver.
Diagnosis
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Difficult to diagnose liver abscess.
Treatment
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Preventative measures are often undertaken rather than treatment.
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Treatment usually involves antibiotics, but should only be used in consultation with your veterinarian.
Prevention
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Change of diet is key to preventing the acidosis that leads to liver abscesses occurring. An increase in fibre and a decrease in the amount of carbohydrate-rich grain provided should minimise of the incidence of liver abscesses in cattle.
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Consult with your veterinarian about nutritional management and other preventative measures
More information
Liver Abscess Factsheet