Managing downer cows during calving

The prompt, correct diagnosis and treatment of the condition could help save cows, time and money.

There are a number of potential causes, including:

Calving paralysis is usually, but not always associated with heifers and a difficult calving.

During calving a cow's nerve, known as the obturator nerve, may be crushed between its pelvis and the calf.

A cow with calving paralysis will appear bright and alert but have no control over one or both of its hind legs.

The only treatment is careful nursing and time; anti-inflammatory drugs are useful if used early.

Calving paralysis needs to be distinguished from injuries such as dislocated hips and back injuries.

Such injuries can occur in any aged animal often after an accident such as slipping.

A cow with these injuries will also be bright and alert and usually eat and drink normally.

A veterinarian should be called to assess these animals.

Metabolic diseases can be distinguished from physical injuries by the presence of other clinical signs.

Milk fever is seen in older, high-producing, fatter cows.

A cow with milk fever will show fine muscle tremors, staggering and weakness.

Grass tetany is seen during times of stress such as bad weather on short grass-dominated pastures.

An affected cow will become aggressive, excited, go down and paddle and convulse violently.

Both milk fever and grass tetany should be treated urgently with 4 in 1; additional calcium or magnesium may be needed into the vein and should be administered by a veterinarian.

Pregnancy toxaemia or acetonemia is an energy deficiency problem seen in cows losing weight or calving in poor condition.

Behavioural signs will be seen before the cow goes down.

Cases may indicate a dietary deficiency being experienced by the whole herd.

Cases in which neurological signs are seen may be eligible for the TSE surveillance project, which Australia uses to demonstrate its freedom from such diseases as bovine spongiform encephalitis (BSE) (mad cow disease).

A financial incentive is available for producers who report such cases.

Mastitis, metritis or any other generalised infection causes toxaemia or blood poisoning.

A cow with toxaemia will appear depressed, with a dry nose and sunken eyes.

It is important to check the udders of downer cows for mastitis, and the uterus for tears or severe infections.

Prompt treatment with appropriate veterinary drugs and good nursing are the keys to successfully treating a downer cow.

The first step is to try and determine why the cow is down and to treat appropriately.

Cows should only be nursed if they have a realistic chance of recovery. Otherwise they should be humanely destroyed.

When nursing a downer cow move it to a dry sheltered shed and provide it with comfortable, dry, soft bedding on a non-slip surface.

Sit the cow on its chest, position it correctly, and roll its from side to side at least two times a day. Provide feed and water.

Use hip clamps only for a few minutes to get the cow on it feet.

For further advice contact a local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria veterinary or animal health officer.

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