Dealing with downer cows

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 her pelvis and the calf.

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

The only treatment is time and careful nursing; anti-inflammatory drugs may help 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 a slip.

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

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

Milk fever is often 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.

Pregnancy toxaemia or acetonemia is an energy deficiency problem seen in cows whose diet is deficient in energy. Behavioural signs will be seen before the cow goes down.

Cases may indicate a dietary deficiency affecting the entire herd.

Toxaemia (blood poisoning)

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.

Care of the downer cow

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

The first step is to determine why the cow is down and treat it accordingly.

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 her to a dry, sheltered shed and provide her with comfortable, dry, soft bedding on a non-slip surface.

Sit her on her chest, position her correctly, and roll her from side to side at least twice a day. Provide her with feed and water.

Use hip clamps for only a few minutes to help her get on her feet.

For further advice, contact your local veterinarian, Agriculture Victoria veterinary or animal health officer, or in NSW, your Local Land Services.

Dr Jeff Cave is an Agriculture Victoria senior veterinary officer.