Successful treatment of bacillary hemoglobinuria in Japanese black cows

Abstract

Four pasture-fed Japanese Black cows showed the main clinical symptoms of severe hemoglobinuria at different periods between 2003 and 2007. Hematological analyses at the first consultation revealed severe anemia, and biochemical analyses indicated both severe hemolysis and disruption of hepatic function. Although the first 2 patients died, the hemoglobinuria and general condition of the remaining 2 cows, who were immediately initiated on large doses of antibiotics, improved within 3 days. Clostridium haemolyticum was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of the blood sample of 1 of the infected cows. Anti-fascioliasis medicine is administered, and since then, no case of hemoglobinuria has been observed. The cows were diagnosed with bacillary hemoglobinuria, and they represent the first few cases in Japan.