Preliminary classification of the bovine respiratory complex into different levels of severity

Despite prophylactic measures, mainly including vaccination programs and management measures, respiratory disease remains the major cause of economic losses in the bovine species. Choice of treatment is currently mainly based on the clinicians' personal experience.
A theoretical method has been proposed earlier to classify this syndrome into four grades of severity : Grade 1, subclinical disease (no treatment); Grade 2, compensated clinical disease (antibiotics only); Grade 3, noncompensated clinical disease (antibiotics + anti inflammatory drugs); and Grade 4, irreversible clinical disease (no treatment).
In order to realize this theoretical classification under field conditions, three techniques, each one evaluating the oxygen transport chain at a différent level, have been studied and validated, i.e. pulse oximetry, lactate dosage and the lobeline test. Afterwards, measurements were performed on calves suffering from acute respiratory disease and a preliminary classification was established. This novel approach could orientate and economize therapeutic strategies in bovine respiratory disease.