A 5-year-old Simmental cow shows acute signs of lethargy and hematuria. What is the most appropriate treatment?

In the case of acute lethargy and hematuria in a 5-year-old Simmental cow, the most appropriate treatment option involves the administration of procaine penicillin G intramuscularly. This antibiotic is effective against various diseases that may cause the symptoms observed, particularly bacterial infections. Hematuria can be indicative of a urinary tract infection, which might lead to the acute signs of lethargy due to systemic infection and inflammatory response.

Procaine penicillin G provides good coverage against many pathogens that could be responsible for the presented clinical signs. Treating the underlying infection early can lead to a resolution of symptoms and prevent further complications.

Other treatment options, while they may seem reasonable, are less appropriate in this scenario. Gentamicin is another antibiotic that could be used for specific infections, but it is typically reserved for cases involving renal compromise or urinary tract infections with specific resistant organisms. Long-term catheterization may be necessary in cases of obstructive uropathy but is not a first-line treatment for acute hematuria without further investigation. Surgical removal of the enlarged kidney is an invasive option that would only be considered after identifying a definitive diagnosis that necessitates such intervention. Therefore, the administration of procaine penicillin