Vladimir Malovanyy, veterinary of «Henus Ukraine» (Unit of ABS Global in Ukraine)

Most problems with cows’ health are the consequence of improper housing during the dry period and within 40-50 days after calving. The management of dry cows significantly affect the performance in the next lactation, the state of health during and after calving. Chance of metabolism disorder in this critical period for animals is very high. As a result, diseases such as milk fever, placental retention, udder edema, ketosis, fatty liver syndrome appear. Let’s consider one of them — milk fever.

Clinical signs

Milk fever, hypocalcemia are names of a common disease of cows senior five years. Milk fever on clinical ground is divided into three phases:

• The first phase lasts a short time (calving). It is very often overlooked due to increased staff attention to the birth of the calf. You should carefully evaluate the condition of fresh cow for the presence of the following symptoms: fatigue, increased pain sensitivity, agitation, slow moving body dragging hindquarters hoof on the ground;
• The second phase lasts from 1 to 12 hours after calving. At this time the animal has disturbed coordination, it is sluggish, does’n eat. Defecation and urination is absent or frequent but small. Body temperature may be normal(38,6-38,9) or lowered to 37.5 degrees of Celsius;
• The third phase in most cases lasts from 12 to 72 hours after calving. At this time appears clinical signs of paresis (partial paralysis): lethargy, loss of appetite, cow lying with upturned on the head, the body temperature drops to 37-35,5 degrees. Peripheral parts of the body become cold, pain sensitivity is reduced or absent, persistent constipation and overflow bladder. Manifested progressive loss of consciousness, which can lead to coma. Untreated animals live a few hours.

More information read in the magazine «Milk and Farm» № 5 (12), October 2012.