Question

You are called to examine and treat a valuable 3 year old show cow that appeared normal yesterday but has collapsed and is too weak to get up (see photo). You examine her and find T=102F or 38.9 C, HR=130, and RR=42. Her heart is pounding very loudly. The mucous membranes of her eyes, mouth and vulva are all very pale. You diagnose an acutely bleeding abomasal ulcer. What is the most important treatment?

40 liters balanced electrolytes orally
4 to 8 liters of fresh whole blood IV
4 liters of commercial plasma IV plus vitamin K
20 liters of 1.3% sodium bicarbonate IV
40 liters of saline IV

Answer 1

The most crucial treatment for a cow with an acutely bleeding abomasal ulcer is 4 to 8 liters of fresh whole blood IV. This will replenish lost blood and vital components, aiding in the recovery from shock due to blood loss.

Step-by-step explanation:

Emergency Treatment for a Collapsed Show Cow

The most important treatment for a valuable 3-year-old show cow that has collapsed and is too weak to get up due to an acutely bleeding abomasal ulcer is transfusion of 4 to 8 liters of fresh whole blood IV.

This treatment will address the immediate concern of blood loss and restore the cow's circulating blood volume, providing the necessary red blood cells, clotting factors, and plasma proteins. The cow's pale mucous membranes indicate significant blood loss, and the symptoms of weak pulse point to a state of shock, for which whole blood transfusion is crucial for survival.