The down cow Flashcards
1
Q
Outline a down cow
A
- down > 24 hours or after unsuccessful tx (Ca, Mg, P)
- primary cause may be resolved
- (superficial) nerve damage
- ischaemic necrosis of mm, especially hindlimb (compression > anoxia > cell damage > inflammation > further swelling > poor tissue perfusion > repeat)
- pressure induced compression syndrome
2
Q
Which nerves are damaged when a cow is down?
A
- sciatic nerve
- peripheral nerve (eg peroneal nerve damage causing hyper flexion of fetlock = knuckled)
3
Q
Why should you get a cow standing after calving?
A
- check for acute issues
- allow mm to recover
- allow her to feed
- damage: uterus, vagina, vulva, sciatic or obturator nn, peripheral peroneal/ radial / tibial nn damage could occur with trapped limb
4
Q
When to consider low P as cause of down cow?
A
Consider in happy downer or creeper cows. Could benefit IV phosphorous supplementation
5
Q
Mg levels tend to be low in hypocalcaemia cows
A
True
6
Q
Why are potassium levels low in downer cows?
A
Unknown Pathophysiology or relevance
7
Q
CS - down cow
A
- sternal recumbency
- normal eating and drinking, if provided
- normal GIT
- some attempt to stand (if just about able to lift hindquarters off ground, these are creeper / crawler cows)
- abnormal position(forwRd or sideward of HL
8
Q
Clinical exam - down cow
A
- lateral recumbency, roll onto sternum And expose other side
- lift HL to check function and expose udder, check all quarters
- broken leg
- ruptured cruciates
- dislocated joints (hip)
- Neuro function
- uterus, pelvis and peritoneum per rectum (whilst legs are pulled backward to feel for a pelvic fracture)
- note any painful reactions of cow
9
Q
Care to provide for a down cow
A
- sit cow to sternal recumbency
- get legs underneath to reduce e further ischaemia due to pressure on limbs
- turn to other side every 4-6 hours
- soft bedding
- hobble?
- fresh feed and water
10
Q
What indications to cull a down cow?
A
Fractures, dislocations, joint/ ligament damage
11
Q
Management - down cow
A
- ensure considerable chance of recovery to ensure welfare
- underfloor with grip important (outside weather permitting or deep soft bedding - sand, deep litter)
- milk BID (comfort, prevention of mastitis)
12
Q
Px - down cow
A
- clinical presentation of vital importance (cow raising body on all 4 but missing force has reserved optimism)
- no progress after 48-72 hours then euthanise (casuality slaughter an option)
- biochemistry for muscle enzymes ( AST, LDH, CPK results difficult to interpret, AST > 180 U/L then euthanise due to mm damage that has occurs)
13
Q
Tx - down cow
A
- ensure no underlying metabolic ailment (Ca, Mg, P)
- toxic cases tx the unrlying cause
- euthanise if fracture, ligament tears, dislocations
- all others try to support the cow And reduce the ischaemia in muscles by prolonged standing
- care
- NSAIDs
- corticosteroids
- vitamin b complex
- lift the cow (bagshaw hoist)
14
Q
What is a bagshaw hoist?
A
- hip lifter which attached over tuber coxae
- assess if cow trying to use legs
- leave to stand for period with hoist attached
- often cause traumatic injuries
15
Q
How to lift a cow with a sling?
A
- preferable to bagshaw hoist (more comfy)
- net or sling that fits around cow and can be used to lift cow
- more staff and skill dependent
