Pregnancy Toxemia in Beef Heifers

A dead two year old Angus heifer was submitted for examination. This was the third dead heifer out of 25. Clinical signs included weight loss, depression, disorientation and death.

Picture1. large pale liver (image from Dr. John King, Cornell, thank-you)

Necropsy examination revealed a thin carcass, large pale liver (image from Dr. John King, Cornell, thank-you) and a large male fetus in the uterus.

Picture 2. hepatic lipidosis.

Microscopic examination of liver revealed severe diffuse hepatic lipidosis. No viral or bacterial pathogens were identified. Fecal exams were negative for parasite ova. Liver contained 42.76% fat. The findings in this case were suggestive of pregnancy toxemia. The feed ration and late gestation were likely contributing factors.
No viral or bacterial pathogens were identified. Fecal exams were negative for parasite ova. Liver contained 42.76% fat. The findings in this case were suggestive of pregnancy toxemia. The feed ration and late gestation were likely contributing factors.