A 15-month-old Holstein heifer at pasture with 45 others presents with severe (10/10) lameness of the left hind leg with considerable swelling of the left gluteal region . The heifer is so painful that she is unable to walk more than a few paces. Examination in the field reveals a raised rectal temperature of 41.5°C (106.7°F), congested mucous membranes and a crepitant feel over the swollen gluteal region.
A 2-monthold beef calf presents in opisthotonus. The calf was found 2 days ago in lateral recumbency and was treated with penicillin by the farmer without improvement. The calf shows severe muscle rigidity such that the joints cannot be flexed.
A 5-year-old beef bull presents with a 3-month history of increasing abdominal distension and loss of condition . The bull’s appetite is poor and there are scant hard faecal balls coated in mucus in the rectum. The bull has a roached-back appearance and an anxious expression. The abdomen is markedly distended and ‘papple-shaped’. Rectal temperature is normal. Heart rate is 72 beats per minute. The force and rate of rumen contractions is increased to approximately 3–4 cycles per minute (normal rate is one cycle every 40 seconds or so). The withers pinch test (Williams’ test) is negative. Passage of a stomach tube releases only a small amount of gas.