The Down Cow Flashcards
Acute causes of down cow
Hypocal Hypomag Hypoph Per acute toxic mastitis, metritis, peritonitis Physical injury Fat Cow Syndrome CNS - lead poisoning Fasciolois
What is the definition of a ‘down cow’
Cow that has been down >24hrs after unsuccessful treatment (Ca, Mg, P)
If no primary cause can be found for a down cow, what may be a secondary cause of her being down?
Pressure induced compartmental syndrome
Ischaemic necrosis of muscles
Also get sciatic nerve/peripheral nerve damage
What is pressure induced compartmental syndrome?
Increased pressure within a closed anatomical space
Compromises the circulation and function of tissues
May result in temporary/permanent damage to muscles/nerves
How does ischaemic necrosis of muscles come about?
Especially in hindlimb
- Compression in tight fascia
- Anoxia
- Cell damage
- Inflammation
- Further swelling
- Poor tissue perfusion
What does peroneal nerve damage look like in the cow?
Hyperfelxion of fetlock (knuckled)
What musculoskeletal issues can cause a cow to go down?
Broken bone Sub/dislocated joints Muscles rupture Nerve damage Pressure induced compartmental syndrome
What issues can occur trying calving to cause a cow to go down?
Trauma at calving
- Always try and maker her stand after calving
Damage to uterus, vagina, vulva
Damage to sciatic or obturator nerve
Peripheral peroneal/radial/tibial nerve damage
What are the metabolic causes of down cow?
Hypocalcaemia (continued loss of Ca after treatment)
Hypophosphataemia
Mg suboptimal in hypocalcaemic cows
K low leves
Clinical signs of a down cow…
Sternal recumbency
+ Hypocal usually lateral
Normal eating and drinking
Normal GIT
Some attempt to stand = phosphate
Abnormal position of hindlegs = fracture
Why is clinical exam of the down cow more difficult?
Cow is in recumbency
Need to lift hindlegs to inspect udder
Have to rectal in recumbency
What should you include in your full clinical exam of the cow down?
Broken legs Rupture cruciate Dislocated joints Neuro function Uterus, pelvis and peritoneum per rectum Udder
How can you check for musculoskeletal damage in the down cow?
Carefully palpate all limbs
Feel for crepitus
Feel for extraordinary movement of limbs
Rectal whilst legs pulled backwards (feels for pelvic fracture)
What should you do if you find a fracture in a down cow?
Euthanise
How should you manage a down cow?
Sit in sternal recumbency
Get legs underneath to reduce further ischaemia
Turn every 4-6 hours
Soft bedding
Fresh water and feed
Hobbles
Underfloor with grip
Milk twice daily for comfort/mastitis prevention
