White muscle disease in cattle

White muscle disease in calves is  a pathology associated with a deficiency of selenium and vitamin E in the body. The deficiency leads to a significant reduction in the functionality of muscles, including the heart. In most cases, white muscle disease develops in calves after birth. In the absence of timely treatment, the risk of death is high.

What causes the disease

The reason  is a deficiency of selenium in the body. This microelement is responsible for antioxidant processes in muscle tissue and the regulation of free radicals in them. Selenium is a constituent of other selenoproteins, each of which has different biological functions. There are from 30 to 100 selenoproteins in the body, the key of which is selenoprotein W. Selenium is part of muscle tissue proteins and, most importantly, myocardial proteins. Therefore, selenium deficiency leads to a weakening of the antioxidant status, anti-carcinogenic protection, and causes myocardial dystrophy and immunodeficiencies.

With its deficiency, under-oxidized free radicals quickly destroy muscles, causing their functions to be impaired. The process affects many organs and systems:

• brain and bone marrow;

• muscle and connective tissue;

• vascular and immune systems;

• heart, liver, kidneys;

• respiratory organs;

• thyroid and pancreas;

• reproductive system.

Risk factors

The main factor in the development of white muscle disease in young animals is poor feed for cows during pregnancy. Because of this, a deficiency of selenium, vitamin E and other useful substances occurs in the mother’s body. The formation of the fetus is disrupted, so the calf is already born with a high risk of developing the disease. it increases many times over if individuals are kept with violations of the regime and conditions of detention (hypokinesia, lack of insolation, aeration).

Another risk factor is cows grazing on flooded, floodplain pastures with acidic soils and grass depleted of selenium. Such soils are found in the Non-Black Earth Region - from the center of the Russian Federation through the Urals and Siberia to the Far East. Therefore, farms located in the risk zone need to pay attention to prevention and be prepared to treat white muscle disease.

Symptoms

It is quite difficult to notice selenium deficiency in an adult animal. Indirect signs may include fatty infiltration and degeneration, liver pain.

In young animals aged 20-30 days, the pathology always manifests itself in an acute or subacute form. In the most severe cases, sudden death due to damage to the heart or other organs is possible.

Typical symptoms of acute white muscle disease

• decreased muscle tone;

• depressed state;

• loss of appetite;

• tachycardia with pulse up to 140-200 beats/min;

• rapid breathing;

• muscle weakness and trembling;

• lameness;

• paresis of one/two limbs.

Loss of strength is clearly visible, and muscle dysfunction can be recognized by a stiff gait. Individuals can move by relying on their tarsal joints and hooks. In the acute form, symptoms increase over 5-7 days. If the animal is not given medical care, the disease will almost always end in death.

Symptoms of subacute and chronic forms

In older young individuals, in addition to a depressed state, the disease is manifested by diarrhea, arrhythmia, wheezing in the lungs, and an increase in temperature to 41  o C. Individuals move little due to muscle weakness.

When the disease becomes chronic, dyspepsia and bronchopneumonia may be added to the typical symptoms. With the disease in both forms, the risk of death is extremely high.

Treatment of white muscle disease in calves

A laboratory blood test shows a decrease in selenium levels from normal 10-20 mcg/100 ml to 1-2 mcg/100 ml (at the same time, its low content in feed is confirmed).

The “E-selenium” complex, which also contains vitamin E, produced by NITA-FARM, allows you to replenish its content effectively and safely for the animal. It provides:

• antioxidant;

• immunostimulating;

• anti-stress;

• antitoxic effect.

Treatment consists of a single injection of the drug “E-selenium” at a dose of 1-1.5 ml/50 kg body weight. The drug is administered 2-3 times with an interval of 7-10 days.

Prevention

Animals should have enough sodium selenite in their diet. It is most rational and convenient to replenish its deficiency once every 2-4 months with the help of the E-selenium complex. It can be used both in the form of injections and for drinking (“E-Selenium OR”). This allows for precise dosing of sodium selenite. In addition, injection administration makes it possible not to depend on the appetite of animals. More information about white muscle disease, prevention and treatment measures can be found here.