Diabetes mellitus and fatty liver in a cow: case report

Abstract

A 5-year-old Holstein–Friesian cow was referred to the Veterinary Clinic of Shiraz University in May 2003 with a history of continuous weight and milk loss for 32 days after calving. On clinical examination the animal was moderately depressed. Pulse, respiratory rate and temperature were normal. Rumen motility was decreased in strength and rate. The faeces were dry, firm and scanty. Polyuria and polydypsia were noticed. The results of biochemical analysis revealed a significant rise in urine ketones and glucose. The blood glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride and β-hydroxybutyrate levels were considerably above the normal range. At necropsy the liver was enlarged, pale, and yellow and in the cut section the liver parenchyma had a fatty quality. The gross anatomy of the pancreas and kidneys was normal. On microscopic examination severe fatty change in the liver was observed. Fatty change in the acinar tissue of the pancreas was also seen. The number and size of islets were reduced. On the basis of characteristic staining reaction, depletion of beta cells was diagnosed. According to the history, clinical signs and laboratory findings, a combination of diabetes mellitus and fatty liver was diagnosed.