DAIRY CATTLE MEMBERSHIP STUDY GUIDE November 2009
Introduction (adapted from the Epidemiology study guide December 2005, developed originally by
Andrew Kelly, revised by Katherine Clift and John Morton)
Preparing for examination in groups has a number of advantages over individual preparation. In a
group, some parts of the workload can be shared. Group membership encourages a steady,
consistent pace of learning. Group members can learn from the experiences of others in the group
as issues tend to be viewed from different perspectives by different people. Group discussions can
help members understand concepts. Groups are a great way to get to know other vets with similar
interests.
In general, it is recommended that candidates and groups prepare for membership exams over 16
- 18 months, with roughly 1 meeting a month. The topics listed below are divided roughly into body
systems and should be viewed as a general recommendation for working through the material –
not all 'potentially examinable' areas are covered.
1. Diseases of the skin and head
2. Mammary gland disorders
3. Mastitis investigation
4. Metabolic conditions
5. Forestomach conditions
6. Neonatal conditions
7. Disorders of the reproductive system
8. Reproductive investigation
9. Diseases of the nervous, urinary and hepatobiliary systems
10. Intestinal conditions
11. Disorders of the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, blood and blood forming
organs
12. Heifer growth, nutrition and disease
13. Sudden death and toxins
14. Diseases of muscles, bones, joints, connective tissues and feet
15. Oral examination practice
Before commencing the study meetings it may be useful to have an initial meeting to develop a
plan for the sessions such as:

When and where the meetings should occur

What duration and structure the meetings might have – it is difficult to cover topics adequately
with meetings of less than 4 hours

What people would like to get out of the group eg. undertake exams or improve knowledge
without being examined

Appointment of a coordinator(s). This involves arranging meeting rooms, circulating meeting
plans, allocating tasks to group members, ensuring additional reading is available to all
members and ensuring that absent members receive notes from missed meetings. This role
could be rotated or shared

Identification of possible mentors who can sit in on particular meetings and may be sources of
additional references
308866598

Setting of ground rules eg respect for all participants, punctuality etc
Membership requirements
It is expected for candidates to have a good knowledge of the pathophysiology, epidemiology,
treatment and control of common diseases of dairy cattle. They need to develop a systematic
approach to problem solving in individual animals.
It is expected that candidates will have developed systematic approaches for investigating and
managing common herd production and health problems. For example:

Poor reproductive performance

High or rising BMCC or clinical mastitis outbreaks

Abortion

Sudden death

Transition cow problems

Lameness
Candidates should also:

Have an understanding of how different drugs work (mechanism of action, adverse
reactions, drug interaction)

Have a good understanding of common diagnostic tests and their limitations

Have an up to date knowledge of the dairy industry and different management systems

Be aware of current and future welfare issues as well as other legal obligations
Presentations at group meetings
Learning is generally more focussed for those having a specific task at the next meeting. Topics
are generally subdivided into a number of presentations. Nominated participants should be asked
to present a short summary of the key points of one presentation that can be circulated at the
meeting.
Presentations should include where appropriate:

Epidemiology of diseases: host, agent, environment and husbandry risk factors

Clinical signs

Pathophysiology

Diagnosis (haematology, biochemistry and PM findings where applicable)

Differentials, including other body systems and exotic diseases

Treatment

Control and prevention
If members of the group have seen interesting or relevant diseases or situations at work, they
could prepare a short summary of their experience (with pictures wherever possible) to discuss
with the group.
Example exam questions could either be attempted on own or as a group.
Reference material should include major textbooks and journals (see College website for list).
Additional references have been provided – these have been useful to the previous study groups.
Feel free to up date them as you go along!
308866598
Diseases of the skin and head
Presentations
1. Diseases of skin
2. Mucosal lesions
3. Eye conditions
4. Lumps & bumps of the head
Example exam questions
1. Outline the epidemiology, possible health effects and methods of control of Moraxella bovis
infection in calves (2002 written paper 2).
2. Discuss the differential diagnoses of malignant catarrhal fever (2002 written paper 1).
3. Describe the likely clinical manifestations and effects on herd production of facial eczema in a
pasture fed dairy herd calving in early spring. Describe the differential diagnosis and methods
you would employ to confirm diagnosis. Outline the control methods available for each disease
in a production system in either Australia or New Zealand (2003 written paper 1).
4. There are many causes of swelling in extremities of the body. Discuss causes of swelling of
the head of cattle in reference to underlying patho-physiologic processes (2001 written paper
1).
5. Write short notes on enzootic nasal granuloma of cattle (2005 written paper 1).
6. List the differential diagnosis for drooling saliva in an adult dairy cow (2009 written paper 1)
7. List the differential diagnosis for blepharospasm and epiphora in a four year old cow (2009
written paper 1)
308866598
Mammary gland disorders
Additional references

Countdown Downunder Technotes
Presentations
1. Anatomy of the bovine udder, physiology of lactation and milk synthesis and secretion
2. Epidemiology of mastitis pathogens
3. Therapeutics of bovine mastitis – lactating and dry cow therapy
4. Diseases of teats and teat/udder skin.
Example exam questions
1. An owner of a herd of 150 milkers calving year round reports that he has recently had three
cases of severe mastitis in cows at calving. The cows calved in early January and the first two
cases died in 24 hours. The owner requests you examine the third case and culture the
secretion of the affected quarter yields a pure growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae.
a) How would you treat any further cases and what preventative measures could you
recommend.
b) List three major mastitis causing bacterial pathogens occurring in your practice area. For two
of these pathogens briefly describe important epidemiological aspects of the infection as well
as any important pathological changes induced in the udder by the infection which could affect
treatment and control of the mastitis problem caused by the particular pathogen (2003 written
paper 1).
2. Describe the clinical manifestations of peracute coliform mastitis in a recently calved dairy cow,
and relate the pathophysiological changes occurring in this cow to the manifestations
observed. Also, outline the correct approach to the treatment of this condition in a valuable cow
(2002 written paper 1).
3. It has been suggested that antibiotic use in acute mastitis is not effective. Discuss the
reasoning behind the statement and reasons why it may not be correct (2001 written paper 1).
4. Write short notes on pseudocowpox (2005 written paper 1).
5. You are called to a dairy client’s farm to investigate 3 sudden deaths in cows. The farm milks
400 cows in a rotary shed and the three dead cows were treated with dry cow therapy and
dried off 3 days ago. The farmer reports that the cows appeared to be grazing normally the
night before in the dry cow paddock but were found dead first thing in the morning. During your
examination of the animals you suspect Pseudomonas aeruginosa mastitis, which is
subsequently confirmed on milk cultures from all three animals. The herd has a split calving
system and there are another 70 animals to dry off next week as part of the normal
reproductive routine.
Outline your approach to further investigation into this problem and your options for control.
Your answer should include a discussion on the typical pathogenesis and prognosis of
Pseudomonas mastitis (2007 written paper 2).
6.
7. Write short notes on the prevention Streptococcus uberis mastitis (2009 written paper 1)
308866598
Mastitis investigation
Presentations
1. Key steps in a mastitis investigation
2. Important aspects of milking machine function and milking management
3. Assessing ICCCs: economics of treatment of subclinical mastitis, use of computer programs.
4. Dry cow management (include DCT, teat sealants, dry-off management)
Example exam questions
1. A dairy farmer with a problem of bactoscan failures and a marked increase in bulk milk somatic
cell count (from approximately 200000 cells per ml to 600000 cells per ml over the past two
months has consulted you to investigate the problem and advise on its resolution as he is on
the verge of being given severe penalties for poor milk quality. It is a seasonal supply herd of
200 cows calving in early spring. Most cows are at least 3 months into their lactation. Outline
your approach to the investigation of this problem. Choose one mastitis pathogen that is likely
to be involved in the problem and outline your methods for control of the problem including
methods of treating infected quarters if possible (2003 written paper 2).
2. In late November, the owner of a 400 cow, seasonal calving herd (calving in August and
September) seeks your advice because the bulk tank somatic cell counts are consistently
around 400,000 cells per ml. An analysis of the most recent (mid October herd testing data
shows that 30% of the cows in the herd have individual cow somatic cell counts above 250000
cells per ml. Culture of milk samples taken from 20 of the highest ICCC cows resulted in 5 no
growths, 12 Staphylococcus aureus, one streptococcus uberis and two Strep. Dysgalactiae.
Detail the correct approach to the management of this problem in the long term and the short
term (2002 written paper 2).
3. You are presented with a year-round calving herd or split calving herd that has a rapidly
increasing milk somatic cell count. Of the last 5 clinical mastitis cases, 4 produced a heavy
growth of Streptococcus agalactiae and one had a moderate growth of Corynebacterium bovis.
Discuss your approach to the management of increased somatic cell counts in this herd (2001
written paper 2).
4. A client asks you to investigate a milk quality issue on farm. The farmer’s presenting problem
is: a BMCC of 380,000 average over the last 3 months and 7 clinical cases per 100 cows per
months for the same period. The herd is now 5 months past calving start date and is a
seasonal calving herd. Only 5% of the herd remain in the pregnant/dry group. Outline your
approach to this investigation detailing the rationale behind the steps taken (2005 written paper
2).
5. A client asks you for a “stronger” intramammary antibiotic in the face of an outbreak of mastitis
in which the response to treatment has been poor with many of the affected cows failing to
respond to ampiclox (cloxacillin, ampicillin), cepravin (cefuroxime), or mastalone
(oxytetracycline, oleandomycin, neomycin) intramammary formulations. The farm is an
expanding herd that currently milks 1000 cows. Several groups of purchased cows have been
introduced into the herd over the last 6 months. Cows have access to pasture and are also fed
a mixed ration on a feed pad. Over the last month the incidence of clinical mastitis has trebled,
there are currently 70 cows undergoing treatment for mastitis. Forty percent of the cows with
recurrent mastitis have mastitis in multiple quarters. Milk production in affected cows is
dramatically reduced. Outline your approach to this investigation detailing the rationale behind
the steps taken (2007 written paper 2).
308866598
Forestomach conditions
Additional references

Bramley E et. al (2003) Ruminal acidosis in dairy cattle. Australian and New Zealand
Combined Dairy Veterinarians Conference 16-20 June Taupo, NZ, Vol 2 p 465-495

Oetzel GR (2003) Introduction to ruminal acidosis in dairy cattle. AABP Annual Conference,
Columbus OH. Available: www.vetmed.wisc.edu/dms/fapm/fapmtools/2nutr/sara1aabp.pdf
[18.01.07]

Owens FN et. al. (1998) Acidosis in cattle: a review. J Anim Sci 76: 275-286.

PennState (1996). From feed to milk: understanding rumen function. Available:
www.das.psu.edu/dcn/catnut/PDF/rumen422.pdf [01/06/07]

Reference Advisory Group on Fermentative Acidosis of Ruminants (RAGFAR) (2007) Ruminal
Acidosis – aetiopathogenesis, prevention and treatment.
Presentations
1. Anatomy, physiology and clinical assessment of the forestomachs
2. Ruminal acidosis – acute and subacute
3. Traumatic reticuloperitonitis (and other causes of peritonitis)
4. Abomasal disorders
Example exam questions
1. List three relatively common disorders in lactating dairy cows in which one of the major clinical
signs is an almost complete absence of reticulorumen motility. Describe for each case the
pathophysiological reasons why reticulorumen motility is absent. Select one of these disorders
and describe how reticulo-rumen activity can be restored (2002 written paper 2).
2. Discuss the various tests than can be used to monitor rumen function in a clinical environment
(2001 written paper 1).
3. Grain overload or grain engorgement is a common diagnosis on Australian dairy farms. Outline
the pathogenesis of this condition in an individual animal that has been exposed to 10kgs of
crushed wheat as a slog feed (when 3kgs per day was her normal regime), the common clinical
appearance of the condition and treatment options available (2005 written paper 1).
4. Write short notes on the indications for performing abdominal surgery on a sick cow (2009
written paper 1).
5. You are asked to investigate a group of 5 scouring milking cows of mixed ages. The farm is a
seasonal calving herd and the visit takes place 6 weeks into the calving period. Your initial
diagnosis of all 5 animals is ruminal acidosis. Whilst taking history on the case, you determine
that the herd diet is pasture supplemented with silage from the previous harvest, and crushed
grain in the dairy bale during milking
Outline your approach to confirming the initial clinical diagnosis and developing a management
and prevention plan for this problem. Include a description of further observations you would
make about the farming system currently in place on this property (2009 written paper 2).
308866598
Metabolic conditions
Additional references

Block E and Sanchez WK. Special nutritional needs of the transition cow. Available:
www.txanc.org/proceedings/2000/trancow.pdf [10/05/06]

DeGaris P, Moss N, Lean I and Rabiee A (2005) The transition period – preventing milk fever
and more. ACV Gold Coast Proceedings p. 66.

Goff JP (2004) Major advances in our understanding of nutritional influences on bovine health.
J Dairy Sci 89: 1292-1301.

Goff JP (2004) Macromineral disorders of the transition cow. Vet Clin Food Anim 20:471-494.

Goff JP and Horst RL (1997) Physiological changes at parturition and their relationship to
metabolic disorders. J Dairy Sci 80: 1260-1268.

Lean I, McKay B, Westwood C (2003) Assessing suboptimal nutrition in the dairy herd. Dairy
Cattle Australian and NZ Combined Dairy Veterinarians’ Conference, Taupo NZ, Vol. 1 p. 13-54

Oetzel GR (2004) Monitoring and testing dairy herds for metabolic disease. Vet Clin Food Anim
20: 651-674.

Overton TR and Waldron MR (2004) Nutritional management of transition dairy cows:
strategies to optimise metabolic health. J Dairy Sci 87(E Suppl.): E105-E119.
Presentations
1. Hypocalcemia
2. Hypomagnesemia
3. Pregnancy toxaemia/acetonemia
4. Transition cow nutrition
Example exam questions
1. Describe the likely clinical manifestations and effects on herd production of the following
diseases in a pasture fed dairy herd calving in early spring. Subclinical hypocalcaemia,
subclinical hypomagnesaemia. In each case describe the differential diagnosis and methods
you would employ to confirm diagnosis. Outline the control methods available for each disease
in a production system in either Australia or New Zealand (2003 written paper 1).
2. A dairy farmer in a seasonal calving area has had 30% of his Jersey cows developing
hypocalcaemia just before, at or shortly after calving, and asks for your advice on the problem.
He is about halfway through the calving period, with 80 cows still to calve. First, outline your
understanding of the pathophysiology of hypocalcaemia, followed by your advice on:
a) how to minimise the problem in the current calving season and
b) How to lower the incidence of hypocalcaemia in the next calving season (2002 written
paper 2).
3. Outline the aspects of management of the late dry period that are critical to effective control of
periparturient disease such as hypocalcaemia, ketosis, acidosis, abomasal disorders, retained
foetal membranes and early lactation mastitis (2001 written paper 2).
4. Write short notes on the effects of heat stress in lactating dairy cattle (2009 written paper 1).
5. List the differential diagnosis for recumbency in a freshly calved dairy cow (2009 written paper
1).
308866598
Neonatal conditions
Additional references

Constable PD (2005) Intravenous fluid therapy. ACV – MLA calf scours day, Barossa Valley p.
19

Gregory NG (2003) Effect of enhancing curd formation during the first colostrum feed on
absorption of γ glutamyl transferase by newborn calves. AVJ 81: 549-552

Humphris T (1998): Passive transfer of immunoglobulins to the neonatal dairy calf: literature
review. Masters Dissertation

McGuirk SM and Collins M (2004) Managing the production, storage, and delivery of colostrum.
Vet Clin Food Anim 20: 593-603.

National Research Council (2001) Nutrient Requirement of Dairy Cattle 7th revised edition,
Chapter 10: Nutrient requirements of the young calf.

Naylor JM (1999) Oral electrolyte therapy. Vet Clin Food Anim 15: 487-503.

PD Constable. 2005. Intravenous Fluid Therapy. ACV Barossa Valley, MLA Calf Scours Day.

Penn State – Feeding the Newborn Dairy Calf. Available:
www.das.psu/edu/dairynutrition/calves/ [9/07/06]

Penn State Calf Rumen Images. Available: www.das.psu.edu/dairynutrition/calves/rumen/
[9/07/06]

Quigley, J (2001) Calf Notes. Available: www.calfnotes.com [9/07/06]

Rager K, House JK, DePeters E (2002) Calf nutrition. Compendium 24(10): S82-S91.
Presentations
1. Colostrum production, antibody transfer, colostral management programs
2. Neonatal diarrhoea – epidemiology of pathogens, treatment of acidosis and dehydration
3. Calf nutrition: milk, milk replacers, calf starters
4. Calf housing
5. Common congenital conditions
Example exam questions
1. Outline your approach to the initial assessment, therapy and control of an outbreak of
diarrhoea in a calf shed containing 60 calves aged 1 –5 weeks. Also include in your answer
further strategies to investigate the problem in the longer term. Outline some long-term
strategies that may be employed to control the problem regardless of the pathogen(s) involved
(2003 written paper 2).
2. Outline the epidemiology, possible health effects and methods of control of cryptosporidiosis
(2002 written paper 2).
3. You are presented with a valuable Holstein calf with severe diarrhoea and collapse. Discuss
your approach to treatment of this animal (2001 written paper 2).
4. Write short notes on Eimeria species infections in young bovines (2005 written paper 1).
5. Describe the common enteric pathogens of dairy calves less than 4 weeks old, their
pathogenesis, and treatment options. As part of your answer include the general treatment
options available for dehydrated and scouring calves (2005 written paper 1).
6. During a visit to a dairy farm the producer requests you to treat a 10-day-old moribund heifer
calf. Significant findings on physical examination include a heart rate of 150 bpm, rectal
308866598
temperature of 37oC, respiratory rate of 20brpm, recession of the eyes, fibrin in the anterior
chamber of the eyes, prolonged tenting of the skin, and wet fecal staining around the tail. The
calf is the product of an embryo transfer program and the owner would like you to proceed with
treatment. Outline an appropriate problem list, for each problem a differential diagnoses list, a
diagnostic plan and a preliminary therapeutic plan.
Over the last calving season this farm has experienced a 20% pre-weaning calf mortality and
the producer would like advice regarding strategies to prevent more calves from becoming
affected. Outline the strategies for preventing calf scours in dairy calves (2007 written paper 2).
7. Write short notes on the prevention of salmonellosis in dairy calves (2009 written paper 1).
308866598
Disorders of the reproductive system
Additional references

Sheldon IM (2004) The post partum uterus. Vet Clin Food Anim 20:569-591.

Palmer C (2003) Postpartum metritis in cattle: a review of the condition and the treatment.
Large Animal Veterinary Rounds, vol 3 issue 8. Available:
www.canadianveterinarians.net/larounds [01/06/07]

http://beef.unl.edu/learning/estrous.shtml

ACV Bull Fertility Handbook
Presentations
1. Anatomy and physiology of the reproductive tract including pre and post partum
2. Synchrony and anoestrus programs
3. Miscellaneous conditions: metritis, RFMs, endometritis, ovarian disorders, induction
4. Abortion investigation
5. Bull examination
Example exam questions
1. Outline the possible health effects of the introduction of a cow carrying bovine virus diarrhoea
virus into a 200 cow dairy herd that has been closed and free of BVDV. How can the effects of
this virus be prevented? (2003 written paper 1).
2. Outline the epidemiology, possible health effects and methods of control of neosporosis in
adult cows (2002 written paper 2).
3. Describe the treatment(s) and medical management of threes of the following conditions:
a) Cystic ovarian disease in a high producing, 5 year old cow which calves 10 weeks ago.
b) Repeat breeder (a valuable Jersey stud cow, calved four months ago, cycling normally but
failing to conceive despite repeat artificial insemination)
c) True anoestrus a the mating start date in 20% of cows belonging to a high-producing,
pasture based, spring calving herd (400 cows)
d) Pyometra in a 6-year-old dairy cow belonging to a split calving herd. (2002 written paper 2)
4. A year round calving diary, milking 150 cows, calls you to check 3 cows that were due to calve
a week previously. You check the 3 cows and find that they are not pregnant. The cows had
been palpated in calf at 50 days gestation. The farmer informs you that he sold 2 cows a month
ago for the same reason. The reproductive program on the farm includes AI (3 services) and a
bull. The farmer is concerned regarding the cluster of abortions. Describe the steps involved in
defining and investigating this problem (2005 written paper 2).
5. Write short notes on the prevention of bovine viral diarrhoea (2009 written paper 1).
6. A large sheep farm is being converted to a dairy enterprise with 1000 milking cows. All young
stock (200 calves and 200 yearlings) will be reared on land adjacent to the milking area of the
farm and cattle being sourced for the enterprise are coming from eight different herds. The
farm owner asks for your opinion on vaccinating against bovine pestivirus (BVDV).
Provide a detailed review of the advantages and disadvantages of vaccinating against bovine
pestivirus (BVDV) and the possible control options for this disease if the business elects not to
vaccinate. Indicate your preferred option(s) and the detailed rationale behind your
recommendation(s) (2009 written part 2).
308866598
Reproductive investigation
Additional references

InCalf Technotes
Presentations
1. Measures of reproductive performance for seasonal, split and year round calving herds.
2. How your clinic manages pregnancy testing and reproductive advice
Example exam questions
1. Describe the key indices you would use to assess the reproductive performance of a large (600
cow) dairy herd, which is pasture based and seasonal calving. What records would you require
to calculate these indices? What other on-farm procedures could you undertake to provide
other useful information which would assist in the investigation of the reproductive performance
of this herd (2003 written paper 1).
2. You are approached by a client who runs an 800 cow, pasture based, seasonal calving herd
being milked in a 60 stand rotary dairy. He is experiencing a problem with heat detection during
his artificial insemination mating period. He has not used any synchronisation program in the
past and heat detection has been with tail paint and observation at milking time by paid milking
staff. Outline the information you would gather at the initial consultation to assist in solving the
problem. Given that you have assessed that the main problem is poor detection of oestrus
rather than poor ovarian activity, discuss the options that could be used to address this
problem to improve reproductive performance and the efficiency of labour use on this farm
(2003 written paper 2).
3. You are a veterinarian servicing a 700-cow dairy farm where the herd is in 2 calving groups
roughly of equal size. One group starts calving on Feb 10 and the other on July 1. The farmer
has asked you for your advice on how to investigate and solve a problem the farm has with
excess empty cows. The current rate of cows failing to conceive in their planned joining period
is 22% for the planned Feb calving joining period and 24% for the planned July calving period.
For both groups the AI joining period is 6 weeks followed by natural sire(s) for 6 weeks.
Outline your approach to this investigation clearly defining the information you would collect on
farm to aid the investigation, the indices you would use to measure on farm reproductive
performance and 4 potential strategies the farm could employ to reduce the number of not in
calf cattle for each joining period over the next 2 years (2005 written paper 2).
4. A seasonal calving herd of 310 cows has asked you for advice on reproduction. It is March and
they have just completed their pregnancy testing. The planned start of calving of the herd is
June 1 (August 25 mating start date). Last year the herd used AI for 8 weeks followed by
natural bull mating using 3 bulls until December 25. The yearling heifers were joined for 9
weeks to 2 homegrown bulls but their mating start date is September 15. Last year there were
52 animals in this group.
Pregnancy testing revealed: a not-in-calf rate of 18% and a 6-week-in-calf rate of 32%. The
farmer would like to tighten his calving pattern and have more cows in calf. His farm adviser
has also requested that he takes steps to improve his milk flow during June, July and August.
What reproductive options does the farmer have available to him? Your answer should include
the advantages and disadvantages of all your reproductive management options (2007 written
paper 2).
308866598
Diseases of the urinary, hepatobiliary and nervous systems
Additional references

Constable PD (2004) Clinical examination of the ruminant nervous system. Vet Clin Food Anim
20: 185-214.
Presentations
1. Neurological examination: include assessment of LMN and UMN disorders
2. Common neurological conditions in adult ruminants
3. Common neurological conditions in young stock
4. Clinical assessment and diseases of the liver
5. Clinical assessment and diseases of the urinary system
Example exam questions
1. Discuss the differential diagnoses of lead poisoning in adult cattle (2002 written paper 1).
2. Discuss the differential diagnoses of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (2002 written paper 1).
3. Provide brief notes on differential diagnoses of:

Rabies

Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy

Arsenic poisoning (2001 written paper 2)
4. Write short notes on Listeria monocytogenes and the infections caused by this organism (2005
written paper 1).
5. Write short notes on enzootic hematuria of cattle (2005 written paper 1).
6. Describe the epidemiology, clinical manifestations and pathogenesis of Leptospira infections of
cattle of all ages (2007 written paper 1).
7. Write short notes on the pathogenesis of botulism (2007 written paper 1).
8. List 5 causes of red urine in dairy cattle
For 3 of these conditions briefly describe the clinical signs, pathogenesis, prognosis, treatment,
control and prevention of the disorder (2009 written paper 1).
9. During the late summer period in Victoria, you are asked to examine a mature dairy cow
showing neurological signs that include:
- recumbency without being able to sit upright
- neck arched (opisthotonos)
- leg tremors
- involuntary movement during examination (hyperaesthesia).
The animal cannot stand or walk. The cow was in the milking herd last night and appeared
normal. The farmer suspects polioencephalomalacia (PEM), because the farm had a
diagnosis of this condition in a milking cow during the same season last year.
Outline the differential diagnosis list for this presentation, your diagnostic pathway and the
farm risk factor assessment you would instigate to prevent further cases of PEM (2009
written paper 2).
308866598
Intestinal conditions
Additional references

McGuirk SM and Peek S (2003) Salmonellosis in cattle: a review. AABP Annual Conference,
Columbus OH. Available: www.vetmed.wisc.edu/dms/fapm/fapmtools/7health/Salmorev.pdf
[27/11/06]

BJDaware. November 2006. Pathways to progress with Bovine Johne’s Disease. Technotes for
veterinarians and dairy herd advisers.
Presentations
1. Anatomy and physiology of intestinal digestion
2. Diarrhoea in adult cattle
3. Miscellaneous (intussusception, torsions etc.) of young stock and adult cattle
Example exam questions
1. List four diseases of adult lactating dairy cattle in which the primary presenting clinical sign is
diarrhoea. Outline the pathophysiology and epidemiology of two of these diseases. Include in
your answer details of the way these factors would affect the history and clinical signs of the
disease and your ability to make a provisional diagnosis prior to laboratory investigation (2003
written paper 1).
2. Outline the epidemiology, possible health effects and methods of control of Salmonellosis (due
to S. dublin infection) in adult cows (2002 written paper 2).
3. Outline the epidemiology, possible health effects and methods of control of Johne’s disease
(2002 written paper 2).
4. Outline the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of two diseases that present with a primary
clinical sign of diarrhoea in the dairy cow. Include in your answer reference to critical aspects
that would affect decisions regarding treatment of each condition (2001 written paper 1).
5. Outline the principles of a Johnes disease control program on a dairy farm that has had one
confirmed clinical case. This case occurred last year and was in a three-year-old cow reared
on the farm. The farm has not purchased any stock for four years except bulls. The farmer is
not a stud breeder but may want to sell his herd in five years time. Discuss in your answer the
economic use of laboratory tests to achieve the best result for your client (2001 written paper
2).
6. Write short notes on the sensitivity and specificity of the Johne’s absorbed ELISA test as
employed in Australia (2005 written paper 1).
7. Write short notes on the indications for performing abdominal surgery on a sick cow. (2009
written paper 1).
8. List the differential diagnosis of yersiniosis in growing heifers (2009 written paper 1).
9. List the differential diagnosis of intussusception in a milking cow (2009 written paper 1).
308866598
Disorders of the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, blood and blood
forming organs
Additional references

Constable PD (2003) Fluid and electrolyte therapy in ruminants. Vet Clin Food Anim 19: 557597.

Hunt E and Wood B (1999) Use of blood and blood products. Vet Clin Food Anim 15: 641-661.

Smith GW (2005) Supportive therapy of the toxic cow. Vet Clin Food Anim 21: 595-614.
Presentations
1. Clinical assessment of cardiovascular and respiratory system
2. Diseases of the heart
3. Respiratory disease in both adult cattle and young stock
4. Toxaemia, septicaemia and hypovolemia – including fluid therapy
5. Anaemia
Example exam questions
1. An outbreak of pneumonia has occurred in a mob of 30 dairy calves (aged from 3 –6 weeks)
being housed in a shed and being fed whole milk from buckets. Two have died and laboratory
examination of portions of lung demonstrated the presence of purulent bronchopneumonia and
the isolation of pure culture of Pasteurella multocida. Discuss the epidemiology of respiratory
disease in housed calves including factors contributing to outbreaks. Describe your methods of
treating calves and of controlling the outbreak (2003 written paper 2).
2. Write short notes on lungworm infestation in (2005 written paper 1).
3. Discuss the differential diagnoses of traumatic reticulopericarditis (2002 written paper 1).
4. Write short notes on the pathogenesis of Mannheimia haemolytica (2007 written paper 1).
5. Grain overload (acidosis) and toxic mastitis due to Staphylococcus aureus are both conditions
that can lead to severe dehydration in adult dairy cows. Outline your approach and treatment
options to fluid therapy in both these conditions in adult cows (2007 written paper 1).
6. Write short notes on caudal vena cava syndrome (2009 written paper 1).
7. Describe in brief the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, therapeutic management, and
prevention of enzootic calf pneumonia (2009 written paper 1).
8. Write short notes on the prevention of anaplasmosis (2009 written paper 1).
308866598
Heifer growth, nutrition and diseases
Presentations
1. Heifer growth targets and nutrition
2. Internal parasites
3. Vaccination protocols and epidemiology of diseases
4. Weaning management
5. Nutritional deficiencies (copper, cobalt, selenium etc.)
Example exam questions
1. Discuss the differential diagnoses of ostertagiasis in 15-month-old dairy heifers (2002 written
paper 1).
2. Outline your responses to clients requesting advice on preventing health problems associated
with each of the following: dystocia in dairy heifers, internal parasites in replacement dairy
heifers aged between 3 and 12 months (2003 written paper 2).
3. Describe the likely clinical manifestations and effects on herd production of the following
diseases in a pasture fed dairy herd calving in early spring: selenium deficiency, copper
deficiency. In each case describe the differential diagnosis and methods you would employ to
confirm diagnosis. Outline the control methods available for each disease in a production
system in either Australia or New Zealand (2003 written paper 1).
4. The antioxidant vitamins and minerals seldom act in isolation. Discuss the role of vitamins and
mineral enzymes in controlling free radical damage in the body and specifically identify some of
the metalloenzymes involved in this process (2001 written paper 1).
5. Describe your complete recommended vaccination program for bovine preventable diseases
on a dairy farm. Your answer should address all classes of stock on the farm and should also
include aetiological agents, a brief discussion of the evidence supporting the application of the
vaccine, general symptoms of the diseases you are vaccinating against as well as a description
of a typical yearly program for a nominated region (2007 written paper 1).
6. List the differential diagnosis of yersiniosis in growing heifers (2009 written paper 1).
7. Discuss the concept of ‘refugia’ in parasite control and list some management strategies that
can be used to promote refugia (2009 written paper 1).
8. Reproductive examinations over a one-month period in a seasonal calving dairy herd reveal a
problem with anoestrus in first-lactation dairy heifers. You become concerned that the main
problem is heifer size before first calving.
Describe some possible causes for poor heifer size and body condition, and the potential
management changes you would advise in the herd. Describe how you would monitor the
results of any management changes the herd manager may implement to overcome the
problem (2009 written paper 2).
308866598
Sudden death and toxins
Additional references

Necropsy manual.
Available:www.cvmbs.colostate.edu/ilm/proinfo/necropsy/notes/INDEX.HTML [11/01/07]
Presentations
1. Sudden death differential diagnoses
2. Crop associated diseases (brassicas, sorghums, legumes)
3. Other plant toxicities
4. Chemical toxins
Example exam questions
1. Discuss the medical problems, which are commonly encountered when cattle are grazing
Brassica crops (2002 written paper 1).
2. Outline your responses to clients requesting advise on preventing health problems associated
with adult dairy cows being fed Brassica root crops (2003 written paper 2).
3. Discuss the aetiology, prevention and treatment of legume bloat (2001 written paper 2).
4. Write short notes on cyanogenic glycoside toxicity (2005 written paper 1).
5. Alkaloid toxicity is an emerging condition in Australian beef and dairy cattle grazing summer
perennial ryegrass pasture containing wild endophyte. Describe the epidemiology,
pathogenesis, diagnosis, therapeutic management, and prevention of this condition (2007
written paper 1).
6. Write short notes on the pathogenesis of anthrax (2007 written paper 1).
7. You are called to a nearby 300-cow farm where 4 milking cows have died in the last 40
minutes. It is summer and the farmer has, for the first day, allowed his milkers to strip graze a
new crop of sorghum for the first part of the morning grazing rotation. When you arrive on farm
there are 2 dead cows in the sorghum, and two dead in the adjacent pasture paddock where
the alarmed farmer has now shifted the cows. As you drive into the paddock you can see fifteen
cows sitting down and four lying on their side.
Outline you diagnostic options for this scenario and a brief description of the pathogenesis of
those options. Your answer should also include treatment options for each of your diagnostic
choices and a plan for cow management in the following week to prevent a recurrence of this
scenario (2007 written paper 2).
8. Write short notes on monensin toxicity (2009 written paper 1).
308866598
Diseases of muscles, bones, joints, connective tissues and feet
Additional references

Chesterton RN et. al. (1989) Environmental and behavioural factors affecting the prevalence of
foot lameness in New Zealand dairy herds – a case-control study. NZVJ 37:135-142.

Caulkett N (2003) Anaesthesia of ruminants. Large animal veterinary rounds, vol 3 issue 2.
Available: www.canadianveterinarians.net/larounds [01/06/07]
Presentations
1. Sedation and restraint
2. Anatomy of the foot, clinical signs and treatment of common foot conditions
3. Upper limb conditions (hips, stifles, joint infections)
4. Infectious causes of lameness
5. Track construction
6. Approach to herd lameness problem
Example exam questions
1. A farmer reports that 20% of his 300 cow, seasonal calving herd have been lame within two
months of calving.
a) What are the major causes of lameness on this scale in your area?
b) Describe in detail the treatment of the most common lameness-causing lesion.
c) Outline the likely economic losses associated with this lameness problem (2002 written
paper 2).
2. You are approached by a 1200 cow dairy for assistance with a lameness problem. Cows were
brought into the new concrete feed pad facility 6 months ago where they spend on average five
hours a day. The time on the feed pad is in addition to time spent on concrete in the milking
shed yard.
Approximately 20% of lactating cows show evidence of lameness. The peak incidence of
lameness is approximately 6-8 weeks into lactation. The dairy feeds a total mixed ration with
the herd divided into far off dry, close up dry, fresh, and high producing animals. Outline your
approach to investigating lameness. Include discussion of records analysis, nutrition,
management procedures, cow observations, and facility design (2005 written paper 2).
3. Write short notes on the principles of treating claw lesions in lame dairy cattle (2009 written
paper 1).
4. Write short notes on the prevention of white line disease (2009 written paper 1).
5. List the differential diagnosis of ephemeral fever in a dairy heifer (2009 written paper 1).
308866598
Oral examination practice
This section still under construction
Tips
308866598