Metabolic Disorders in Cattle

Manage these body conditions in your herd with diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

- TAMMY CUPP

It was a terrifying experience the first time I witnessed one of my Jersey cows in the advanced stages of milk fever. That incident, however, taught me to recognize, treat and even prevent future incidents of metabolic illness within my herd. Having a basic knowledge of metabolic illnesses and being able to respond accordingly can mean the difference between life and death for affected livestock.

MILK FEVER (HYPOCALCEMIA)

Hypocalcemia is the sudden decline of calcium in the blood. It usually occurs around the time a cow begins her lactation. Despite the fact the illness is commonly referred to as “milk fever,” symptoms don’t include an elevated body temperature. Typically, the first signs of hypocalcemia are drooped ears, lethargy and cold extremities. The affected cow may also seem confused or disoriented. Muscle weakness follows, causing a cow with hypocalcemia to be unsteady on her feet.

As the illness progresses, the cow may “go down” and be unable to rise. At this stage, the cow’s neck will usually twist awkwardly to one side, and she’ll become listless and inattentive. In the advanced stages of the illness, the cow will lie flat on her side and her pulse will slow dramatically. In this position, the rumen pressing into her chest could inhibit her breathing and cause death by suffocation.

The level of treatment for milk fever corresponds with the severity of the illness. A cow that is in the early stages can often be restored to good health by administering a tube of calcium paste or a calcium bolus in two 12-hour intervals. In more serious cases, however, liquid calcium must be given subcutaneously so that it can be absorbed quickly. A cow with advanced hypocalcemia (one that is already down and unable to rise) needs to be treated intravenously.