Supportive Therapy of the Toxic Cow
Endotoxin is a component of the outer cell wall of gram-negative bacteria. The endotoxin structure is composed of an innermost portion, termed “lipid A,” an outer series of polysaccharides, and a core oligosaccharide that links lipid A with the outer polysaccharides.
Collectively, the endotoxin structure is often referred to as lipopolysaccharides that are released from gram-negative bacteria following cell death or during periods of rapid bacterial growth.
The interaction between the host immune system and endotoxin triggers a complex cascade of events that often leads to severe pathophysiologic consequences for the animal (Fig. 1). A complete review of the inflammatory mediators and cytokines involved in the endotoxin cascade is beyond the scope of this article, and the reader is referred to recent review articles on the subject [1,2]; however, a brief discussion of the physiologic consequences of endotoxemia is warranted to gain a better understanding of and appreciation for the importance of aggressive therapy when treating the “toxic” cow.
Authors: Geof W. Smith
Source: https://www.vetfood.theclinics.com/
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