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Downer Cows - Coggle Diagram
Downer Cows
clin path
elevated CK, AST
+/- hypocalcemia
hypoPhos
hypoMg
hypoK
+/- elevated serum urea and creatinine
urinalysis
proteinuria
myoglobinuria
+/- ketonuria
CS
unable ot rise
often BAR
usually wating, drinking , defecating
may be "frog legged" (hindlimbs out behind)
sensation often present
test withdrawal reflex (pince interdigitally)
forelimbs fxn'l "creeper"
+/- may attempt to rise
"dog sitting"
roll to other hip
general
defined
any cow that remains in sternal recumbency for 24+ hrs
remains down after treatment of primary problem
58% cases occur in 1st 24hrs of lactation
97% cases in 1st 100 days of lactation
common complication of milk fever
20-28%
non-medical risk factors
season
winter
lack of exercise
bad footing on ice
management
housing
footing
trauma
stockmanship
sanitation
infectious disease
nutritional management
primary recumbency due to primary disease
metabolic
hypoCa
HypoP
hypoK
hypoMG
advanced fatty liver disease
starvation
trauma
during calving
fractures
ruptured gastrocnemius
sciatic/obturator nerve damage
septic/toxic shock
mastitis
metritis
peritonitis
RDA/RTA
may progress to secondary recumbency
progress from primary
prolonged recumbency
ischemic necrosis
nerve damage
may progress to tertiary recumbency
fractures
ruptures of muscles, ligament
studies show 6-12 hours may result in permanent downer
diagnostic
CK values
peak at 36hrs
challenging
must differentiate primary vs secondary
history
recumbent >24hr
high producer, early lactation
+/- primary disease hisotry
trauma
dystocia
infectious disease
PE
alert but unable to rise
look for primary disease
treatment
specific treatment for any primary disease
milk fever
hypoP
analgesics
anti-inflammatories
non-steroids
ASA
Banamine/fluxinin
ketoprofen
meloxicam
steroidal
dexamethasone
predef
supportive treatment
good footing
lots of bedding
shelter
access to water/feed
roll frequently
massage hindlimbs
treat sores
lifting devices
sling
hip lifters/clamp
inflatable cushions
aquatank
humane handling
transport
hospitlal pen
cannot go to slaughter
euthanasia
captive bolt pistol
light caliber pistol/rifle
barbituate OD
BSE testing
disposal
rendering truck
bury/compost
prognosis
guarded
cause
duration
20-67% mortality
prevention
prevent metabolic disease
excellent nutritional management
prompt treatment of milk fever
monitor closely for 24-48 hours
prevent trauma
non-slippery floor
good bedding
good chute design
stockmanship
supervise partuition
market high risk cows early