Red and Bloody Urine in Cows: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Reddish, pinkish, or brownish urine is medically referred to as either hematuria or hemoglobinuria. While both terms describe the presence of blood in the urine and result in the discoloration of urine, they are distinct medical conditions and not synonymous.

Hematuria: Refers to the presence of whole blood in the urine, and it is associated with issues within the urinary system. These issues can originate anywhere from the kidneys, down through the ureters (which are the tubes responsible for draining urine from the kidneys), to the bladder, where urine is temporarily stored. The urethra, the tube that eventually expels urine through urination from either the penis or the vagina, can also be affected.

Hemoglobinuria: This term pertains to the presence of red pigment released from red blood cells. It occurs when these cells are obstructed in body systems other than the urinary tract. This implies that the presence of red urine, regardless of its source, should be considered a warning sign (indicating danger).

Main Causes of Red Urine in Cows                                    

a). Infection:

Red urine in cows can often be attributed to various infections, including both viral and bacterial infections. Several common livestock diseases can manifest as red urine, a clinical sign.

These diseases include:

1. Cows are susceptible to the bacterial ailment known as leptospirosis. Blood may show up in the urine as a result and cause kidney damage. By contact with contaminated water or sick animals' urine, cows can contract the disease.
2. Cows may get serious, occasionally deadly diseases as a result of specific clostridial bacterial infections. The urinary system, among other tissues, can be harmed by these infections, which can also cause crimson urine.
3. Cattle may become infected with anthrax, a bacterial infection. Internal bleeding that may result in bloody urine and serious sickness are both possible effects. A zoonotic illness, anthrax can infect humans as well as other animals.

b). Protozoa and Rickettsial Diseases:

Microorganisms, including bacteria and protozoa, are what cause rickettsial and protozoal disorders. Moreover, red urine in cows is a symptom of many disorders.

A few instances are:

1. Babesiosis: Ticks transmit babesiosis, a protozoan disease. It could lead to hemolytic anemia, which would kill red blood cells and cause blood to appear in the urine.
2. Toxoplasmosis: Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan that causes toxoplasmosis. Cows can contract the infection, while cats are more frequently the target. Organ damage and hemorrhage may result in extreme circumstances.
3. Trypanosomiasis: Trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness, is caused by trypanosome protozoa. It can affect the blood and various body systems, leading to anemia and hematuria.

Red Urine in Cows and Calves due to Injuries

Another potential cause of red urine in calves could stem from physical injuries. These injuries might encompass traumatic incidents along the urinary tract or the presence of renal calculi (kidney or bladder stones), which can lead to internal damage and subsequent bleeding.

Chemical poisoning is another factor to consider. For instance, cows and calves may inadvertently consume substances like lead, often found in paints, when they lick painted walls or drink from containers coated with paint.

Copper and arsenic poisoning also contribute to this phenomenon and are frequently observed in Kenya. Additionally, the ingestion of bracken fern, a prevalent plant in Kenya, can result in a condition known as enzootic hematuria, leading to the manifestation of red urine. Regrettably, bracken fern poisoning is a fatal ailment.

Bloody Urine due to Diet in Cows and Calves

Cows and calves necessitate a well-balanced diet to uphold their health. Insufficiencies in vital nutrients such as vitamins and minerals can give rise to a range of health problems, hematuria included. To illustrate, scarcities in vitamins like vitamin K or minerals like phosphorus can hinder blood clotting mechanisms, rendering animals more vulnerable to bleeding.

Vitamin K plays a pivotal role in ensuring proper blood clotting, and its shortage can give rise to hemorrhagic disorders that might result in the presence of bloody urine.

Other Causes of Red Urine in Calves

It could also result from ingesting poisonous plants, such as the Bracken fern, or from bacterial infections affecting the kidneys and bladder. Calves should have access to drinking water throughout the day, as depriving them of water can lead to excessive consumption and result in bloody urine.

Hematuria can occur in calves due to various reasons, but one common cause is the disruption of the urinary system's normal functioning.

Hematuria tends to manifest in calves around the age of 4 to 5 months. This timeframe corresponds to the period when calves transition from a milk-based diet to consuming more water and solid feed. As their physiological systems are still developing, they become more susceptible to certain disturbances.

Drinking Behavior and Water Temperature: A key factor contributing to red urine in calves is their drinking behavior. Calves might excessively drink water in a short span, especially when they are exceptionally thirsty or have limited access to water. Furthermore, consuming very cold or hot water can exacerbate this issue.

Kidney Overload: The kidneys play a pivotal role in filtering waste and excess substances from the blood to produce urine. When a calf consumes a large amount of water within a brief period or drinks water at extreme temperatures, it can overwhelm the kidneys. This stress can strain the delicate filtration mechanisms of the kidneys, potentially causing damage to blood vessels in the urinary tract and releasing red blood cells into the urine.

Disruption of Kidney Function: The strain on the kidneys can disrupt their normal function, leading to the presence of red urine. The presence of red blood cells in the urine is a clear indication of compromise to the normal integrity of the urinary system.

Treatment of Bloody Urine in Calves

Providing calves with water at regular temperatures and in small portions is a common practice. Nonetheless, the presence of hematuria in calves could potentially indicate piroplasmosis. It is feasible to differentiate between an infection and a mere deviation from the drinking routine based on the animal's behavior.

A calf's health can be determined by its activity level, appetite, and normal body temperature. A healthy calf will display vitality and consume food as usual. In contrast, piroplasmosis-infected animals, whether calves or adult cows, tend to exhibit signs of depression, reduced appetite, and limited mobility. In such cases, it is recommended to involve a local veterinarian who can accurately diagnose piroplasmosis and initiate the appropriate treatment for the affected calf.

NOTE:

In cows that have just given birth hematuria is also a sign of kidney and urinary tract pathologies. Diseases can be a complication and consequence of infectious diseases of the reproductive organs, in particular the uterus.

 All of the aforementioned illnesses that might cause red urine in cows need to be treated right away by a veterinarian. Blood in the urine is frequently an indication of underlying medical conditions, and these illnesses can have severe repercussions for the affected animals. To increase recovery chances and stop the spread of these diseases, early detection, and treatment are crucial.