veterinary

2.  A “Downer’s Cow” is a cow
that is laying down for more
than 24hrs & cannot get up.
 It is condition which occurs
in cattle usually following
hypocalcemia.
 It is characterised clinically
by prolonged recumbency.

4.  Metabolic (38% cases are
due to low Ca).
 Traumatic ( 25% cases are
due to nerve damage).
 Toxaemic (2ndry to mastitis,
retained placenta.
 Spinal cause.
 Genetic.

5.  Hypocalcemia causes traumatic
injuries due to spreading of hind legs.
 Increased level of serum glutamic
oxalacetic transaminase indicates
muscle damage.
 Hypocalcemia is also accompanied by
low level of Mg & P.
 Hypopotassaemia causes crawling of
cow.

6.  The disease occurs most
commonly in the first 2 or 3 days
after calving.
 Breeds of heavy milk producers
are most commonly affected.
 Many cases occurs concurrently
with Parturient Paresis.

7.  Affected cows either make no
effort or unable to stand.
 Loss of appetite.
 Tachycardia & arrhythmia may
occur in some cows.
 Proteinuria & marked protein urea
indicates extensive muscle
damage.

8.  Frequent attempts to
raise results in the cow
cowling or creeping.
 The hind legs are
extended on each side.
 In some cases marked
tendency to lateral
recumbency with head
drown back.

9.  Ca, P, Mg & glucose levels of
blood are below normal range.
 The levels of CPK & SGOT are
usually elevated.
 Increased CPK indicates
muscular damage.
 There may be fail to stand after
successive treatment with Ca.

10.  Use of solution containing K, Ca, Mg &
P has been recommended.

11.  Prevention lies in management- it
keeps the incident of Downer’s cow
less than 2%.
 A Potassium rich diet (legumes)
increases the risk of hypocalcemia.
 Feed appropriately PH balanced diet.
 Avoid slippery ground surface.

12.  Disease of Metabolism
( Garfield G. Duncan, M. D. )
 Merck Veterinary manual.
 Internet- www.aun.edu.eg.
▪www.tamworth.com.au.
▪www.milkproduction.com
▪www.agritech.tnau.ac.in