Downer cow CR

Question 1

Why is it important to get a down cow into a sternal position as quickly as possible?

Answer 1

decrease pressure on organs/rumen turnover
Muscle/nerve damage can occur

Question 2

what are the MSK differentials for a recumbent cow

Answer 2

lameness
muscle wastage (-ve energy balance)
dislocated hip
tendon/ligament rupture

Question 3

What are the GI/metabolic differentials for a recumbent cow?

Answer 3

Low Mg (staggers)
Milk fever (low Ca)
Ketosis
Acidosis
Fatty liver disease
Toxicity

Question 4

What are the clinical signs of grass staggers?

Answer 4

Hyperaethesia (sensitive to noises)
Anorexia
High BPM
Uncoordinated movements
Twitching
Spasmodic urination and defecation
Seizures and sudden death
Teeth grinding
excessive salivation

Question 5

What is grass staggers?

Answer 5

Mg deficiency/hypomagnesaemia/grass tetany

Question 6

Compare Mg absorption in ruminants vs monogastrics

Answer 6

Ruminants absorb less efficiently than monogastrics
Rumen is main site of absorption (+ LI if excess) in ruminants
SI is main site of absorption in monogastrics

Question 7

What effect does hypomagnesaemia on calcium metabolism?

Answer 7

Decreased Mg => cAMP production => PTH secretion decreased => less Ca