Changes to blood parameters after postparturient hemoglobinuria in 11 Holstein-Friesian cows

This study reviewed a case series of 11 Holstein-Friesian (HF) cows with postpartum hemoglobinuria (PPH) from one dairy herd. The first clinical signs of PPH appeared in the animals during the second or third lactation, between 21 and 30 days after calving. The clinical signs, including depression, diminished appetite, a dark red to brown color in the urine, pale mucous membranes, and a decrease in milk yields were observed in these 11 animals. Three of the cows developed jaundice of the mucous membranes and five had dry, parched feces. PPH was confirmed on laboratory test results of blood and urine samples. Anemia, serum hypophosphatemia (Pi = 0.79 mmoL/L), and increased liver function analytes (total bilirubin, total protein, and urea concentrations) were observed in all animals. Animals were treated with intravenous phosphorus supplementations for the first 2 days after clinical signs were noted, and then oral supplementations were administered. After the clinical signs resolved and the treatments were discontinued, the animals still had mild anemia; however, the phosphorus concentration increased to 1.40 mmoL/L. Gamma-glutamyltransferase activity increased compared with activities measured before treatments and total bilirubin concentrations decreased slightly; however, the concentrations were still more than twice the upper limit of the normal RI. These animals were diagnosed with liver damage that had developed over the course of PPH, indicating the need for the further monitoring and treatment of cows during the postparturient period, even if clinical signs are no longer present.