Down cow

Question 1

What are the common causes of down cows?

Answer 1

Milk fever/metabolic
Mastitis
Metritis
Massive infection
Musculoskeletal/neurologic

Question 2

What causes a cow with mastitis to become down?

Answer 2

Hypocalcemia and hypotension; usually from gram negative infection

Question 3

What causes a cow with metritis to become down?

Answer 3

Diffuse weakness and shock, dehydration; cows will have history of recent calving and her uterus will be enlarged with foul discharge

Question 4

What are the common musculoskeletal causes of a down cow?

Answer 4

Fracture of femur/pelvis
Dislocation of coxofemoral joint
Tear of adductor muscles

Question 5

What are the common neurological causes of a down cow?

Answer 5

Vertebral trauma
Spinal lymphosarcoma
Peripheral nerve injuries

Question 6

What are the pillars of managing a down cow?

Answer 6

Address underlying disease
Prevent secondary muscle and nerve damage
Provide adequate shade, food, and water
Assist cow to stand 2-3x day

Question 7

Describe the treatment of a down cow

Answer 7

Address underlying disease with fluids, electrolytes, NSAIDs, and antibiotics
Move to soft area (sand/grass) with a sling, sled, or bucket loader and shift her every 4-6hrs
Provide adequate food, shade, and water
Assist to stand 2-3 times a day- by hand, with hip lift (cow must be able to use front limbs), with slings (requires multiple people), or in a floatation tank