Liver abscesses in Holstein dairy cattle: 18 cases (1992-2003)

The characteristic clinical manifestations, clinicopathologic findings, treatment, and outcome of dairy cattle with liver abscess are poorly defined.

The study included 18 Holstein cows with liver abscesses.

A retrospective study of medical records was performed. Cattle with liver abscess were identified by ultrasound examination or exploratory laparotomy.

The most common reason for examination was anorexia (14/18). Five cows had fever, 5 were bradycardic, and 5 were tachycardic. Peritonitis (n=6) and vagal indigestion (n=4) were the most frequently associated diseases. Neutrophilia (n=14), hyperfibrinogenemia (n=11), and high serum globulin concentration (n=10) were characteristic of chronic inflammation. Evidence of liver disease on serum biochemistry profile was uncommon. The most common bacterium isolated from the abscess was Arcanobacterium pyogenes (n=4). Anaerobic bacteria were isolated frequently (n=7). There were 6 polymicrobial isolates, with both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, out of 8 positive samples. Medical treatment was successful in 5 of 7 cattle. Five cows were euthanized and postmortem examination revealed 2 cattle with thrombosis of caudal vena cava.

Holstein dairy cattle affected by liver abscess exhibit no pathognomonic clinical signs. Clinicopathologic findings were often consistent with a chronic active inflammation. Liver abscesses should be included in the differential diagnosis in cattle with a chronic inflammatory process, cranial peritonitis, or vagal indigestion. Prolonged treatment with antimicrobials might be successful.