Details surrounding Hemorrhagic Bowel Syndrome, including contributing factors, continue to be a mystery. Considered an emerging, highly fatal intestinal disease of adult cows, HBS is a growing concern to dairy producers, veterinarians and nutritionists. It is also known as the sudden death disease of dairy cattle.
Source: Dairy Herd Management, June 21, 2021. Link. Diagnosing HBS based on clinical signs alone is generally not possible. HBS symptoms can also be found in other diseases.
HBS is characterized as an acute and sometimes massive hemorrhage in the small intestine, which can subsequently lead to the formation of intraluminal blood clots and obstruction. Affected cows suffer from the collective effects of blood loss, intestinal obstruction and necrosis of the bowel.”
INSIGHTS: Researchers share the importance of necropsies when HBS is suspected. Veterinary teams can’t help if producers don’t understand the value of knowing the cause of death when HBS is suspected. Consider the value of HBS orientation education for dairy clients. Use social media, newsletters and discuss it during routine farm visits.