Bovine Diarrhea Diagnostic Panel Work-Up (> 4 weeks old, feedlot, adults)
Common differential list:
- Bacteria: Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Johne’s disease), Salmonella spp., Clostridium perfringens
- Viruses: bovine coronavirus
- Parasites: Eimeria spp., GI nematodes
Samples to submit (fresh and fixed):
- Small intestines: duodenum, jejunum, ileum (1-2 segments/each)
- Cecum
- Colon
- Abomasum, rumen, ruminal contents
- Kidney
- Liver
- Spleen
- Mesenteric lymph node
- Lung
- Adrenal gland
- Heart
- Feces
- Any additional gross lesions
Standard tests run at the laboratory (included in the general investigation):
- Histopathology with acid fast stain
- Enteric culture
- Fecal flotation
- Case-by-case basis: depending on age and clinical history
- Clostridium perfringens culture
- If C. perfringens is isolated and significant based on clinical history and histopathology, PCR for toxin genotyping available (additional cost)
- Bovine diarrhea panel PCR (rotavirus, bovine coronavirus, cryptosporidium parvum)
Additional tests (check website for preferred samples and current prices):
- Johne’s PCR
Updated 01/10/2025