Bovine diarrhea diagnostic panel work-up (< 4 weeks old)

Common differential list:
• Bacteria: Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Clostridium perfringens
• Viruses: Rotavirus, bovine coronavirus, BVDV
• Protozoa: Cryptosporidium parvum

Samples to submit (fresh and fixed)
• Small intestines: duodenum, jejunum, ileum (1-2 segments/each)
• Cecum
• Colon
• Abomasum, rumen
• Kidney
• Liver
• Spleen
• Thymus
• Mesenteric lymph nodes
• Lung
• Adrenal gland
• Any additional gross lesions

Standard tests run at the laboratory (included in the general investigation)
• Histopathology
• Enteric culture
o If E. coli is isolated and significant based on clinical history and histopathology, PCR for virulence factors will be performed
• Bovine diarrhea panel PCR (rotavirus, bovine coronavirus, cryptosporidium parvum)
• 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)

Printable version available here.

Updated 01/10/2025