Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Calf with severe weakness and diarrhea
By Michaux, Hélène et al.·Published in The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne·2018·Dé·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Hydronephrosis in a dairy calf: A diagnosis delayed by a clinician's Bayesian brain reasoning.
- Species:
- cattle
Plain-English summary
A 3-week-old female dairy calf was brought in because she was very weak and had diarrhea. Initially, the vet thought she might have an intestinal blockage, but tests suggested a kidney issue instead. After reviewing the ultrasound images again, the vet discovered hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidney due to urine buildup) that had been missed before. Unfortunately, the calf was later diagnosed with a kidney infection and, after 2.5 months, was euthanized due to her condition.
People also search for: calf weakness diarrhea · dairy calf kidney problems · hydronephrosis in calves treatment
Abstract
A 3-week-old female dairy calf was presented because of severe weakness and diarrhea. Physical examination and ultrasound findings lead to a tentative diagnosis of intestinal obstruction, although serum biochemistry suggested a primary renal disorder. Reassessment of ultrasound images allowed diagnosis of hydronephrosis that had been misdiagnosed probably because of the clinician's biased Bayesian reasoning. Pyelonephritis without renal failure was diagnosed 2.5 months later. The calf was euthanized and the diagnoses were confirmed.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30510308/