Down cow Flashcards

1
Q

What are the common causes of down cows?

A

Milk fever/metabolic
Mastitis
Metritis
Massive infection
Musculoskeletal/neurologic

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2
Q

What causes a cow with mastitis to become down?

A

Hypocalcemia and hypotension; usually from gram negative infection

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3
Q

What causes a cow with metritis to become down?

A

Diffuse weakness and shock, dehydration; cows will have history of recent calving and her uterus will be enlarged with foul discharge

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4
Q

What are the common musculoskeletal causes of a down cow?

A

Fracture of femur/pelvis
Dislocation of coxofemoral joint
Tear of adductor muscles

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5
Q

What are the common neurological causes of a down cow?

A

Vertebral trauma
Spinal lymphosarcoma
Peripheral nerve injuries

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6
Q

What are the pillars of managing a down cow?

A

Address underlying disease
Prevent secondary muscle and nerve damage
Provide adequate shade, food, and water
Assist cow to stand 2-3x day

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7
Q

Describe the treatment of a down cow

A

Address underlying disease with fluids, electrolytes, NSAIDs, and antibiotics
Move to soft area (sand/grass) with a sling, sled, or bucket loader and shift her every 4-6hrs
Provide adequate food, shade, and water
Assist to stand 2-3 times a day- by hand, with hip lift (cow must be able to use front limbs), with slings (requires multiple people), or in a floatation tank

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