Thoracic ultrasound to monitor lung health and assist decision making in preweaned dairy calves

摘要

In young dairy cattle, respiratory disease is economically challenging, subclinical disease exists, and producer-based diagnosis lacks in sensitivity. Therefore, monitoring lung health in young cattle should be considered a priority for maintaining proper drug use, animal wellbeing, and profitability. Incorporating lung ultrasound at regular intervals provides an understanding of the epidemiology of respiratory disease in client herds, and can help identify problems before they become catastrophic. The growing pains from learning how to perform lung ultrasound are worthwhile, and will help you become indispensable to your clients. This article will review the available technologies, the benefits of a systematic examination, and how to implement thoracic ultrasound to monitor lung health and assist in management decisions.