Managing The Down Cow Flashcards
What approach to PP recumbency
- History
- CE
- Neuro exam
- Lab testing
What common conditions might be associated with down cow
Pathogenesis of downer cow syndrome?
What to consider when doing your CE in PP recumbency
- Are there clinical signs of shock ?
- Are there clinical signs of metabolic dx?
- Are there clinical signs of MSK or neurological problems?
Compare pregnancy tox and hypocalcaemia
What factors associated with PP recumbency
- hx of hillocks esp if prolonged
- pronounced abduction of HLs (splits)
- unable to maintain sternal R
- attempts to use FLs only
- makes no attempt to rise
- recumbency on bare concrete
- HLs rigidly extended forwards or behind
- down for > 4 days
- myoglobinuria, CK, AST and urea levels
What peripheral neuropathies can we get
Assessment of peripheral neuropathies
-> examine both HLs
- make sure cow left at least ten mins after rolling over before assessing the leg been lying on
-> assess
- motor tone by manipulating limbs
- skin sensation using needle
- Resp to pinching interdigital ski with artery forceps
What are some good prognostic indicators in peripheral neuropathies
- good withdrawals and conscious pain sensation
- good muscle tone
- no complicating fracture palpable
- down for less than 24h
- bright demeanour
What poor prognostic indicators
- no conscious pain sensation or deep pain
- no withdrawal
- complicating fracture palpable
- cow still down after four days
- depressed demeanour
- rapidly rising CK
What testing might we do for metabolic disorders?
- Macrominerals: CA, Mg, P
- NEBAL: BHB and NEFA
Lab testing for muscle damage?
CK and AST
Myoglobinuria
Hydration indicators?
- Urea creat
- TP and PCV
How would you manage recumbency
- Dx and Tx of the primary cause
- Prevention of further injury -> non slip, shelter
- Prevent ischaemic ;hoist is -> deep soft bed, lifting 20 mins BID, turn 5x daily, NSAID
- Nursing care - access to feed?water, mastitis monitor, NSAID
Prevention of PP recumbency
- Transition management -> Ca homeostasis, NEBAL
- Prevention of dystopia - sire selection, ;Nito ring at calving
- Environmental management - non slip floors, hygiene, comfort
