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
o Clostridium perfringens culture
 If C. perfringens is isolated and significant based on clinical history and histopathology, PCR for toxin genotyping available (additional cost)
o Bovine diarrhea panel PCR (rotavirus, bovine coronavirus, cryptosporidium parvum)

Additional tests (check website for preferred samples and current prices)
 Johne’s PCR

Printable version available here.

Updated 01/10/2025