What is
Downer Cow Syndrome
- Cox (1982) proposed that downer cow was any
cow which was down in sternal recumbency for more than 24 hours without
evidence of a systemic involvement.
- Blood et al. (1983) defined the downer cow
syndrome is a condition occurring following parturient paresis,
characterised clinically by prolonged recumbency even after 2 successive
infusions with calcium.
- Allen and Davies (1981) suggested that downer
syndrome occurred as a result of one of the combination of the factors
like milk fever, hypophosphataemia, fat cow syndrome, excessive protein
intake, Vitamin E & Selenium deficiency, recumbency due to trauma and
malnutrition.
- Jonsson (1983) suggested that downer syndrome
occurred as a result of one of combination of the factors like muscular
injuries, nerve injuries, persistent hypocalcaemia, persistent
hypophosphataemia, myocardosis, hepatosis, septic mastitis and other
factors.
- Jonsson (1983) also observed that 65% cases of
injuries of muscles, nerves and hind limbs terminate as downers.
- Fenwick (1969) observed that there was
definite increase in number of downers and deaths with decreasing
potassium concentration.
One of the most challenging problem for
Veterinarians is management of recumbent/ downer animals. Prolonged recumbency
due to inadequately treated and unresponsive hypocalcaemia is one of the common
causes of downers syndrome.
Clinical Signs
- The cow may show bright and alert with
normal appetite, defecation and urination. Milk production may
be reduced.
- All the physiological and clinical
parameter may be within normal range at the time of
presentation such as body temperature 100.5 F, heart rate 56 per minute,
pulse rate 66 per minute and respiratory rate 21 breaths per minute.
- Cow may show in sternal recumbency and
frequently try to get up. She may unable to put up weight on
hindquarters.
- Cow may able to stand with some
assistance by lifting the tail and head or with the help of wooden sticks
below thorax and abdomen with precaution to avoid any injury to
udder.
- All the limbs may be checked for
sensitivity to pain by pricking with a needle to rule out nerve paralysis.
All the fore limbs and hind limbs may show sensitivity to pain.
Prevention
- excellent nutritional management
- Adequate bedding in calving area, stalls
- prompt treatment of milk fever to avoid
prolonged recumbency
- Monitor treated cows closely for 24-48 hrs.
post-treatment
- Prevent trauma
- Supervise parturition & provide
appropriate assistance to avoid prolonged calving
Prognosis
Prognosis frequently guarded &
depends on:
- Cause of recumbency
- Duration of recumbency
Prognosis mostly found is
- Mortality 20-67%
- Many die within 7-10 days due to sepsis or
shock
- 33 % recover between 3-30 days
- May continue treatment if no obvious physical
abnormalities, bright, eating, and continued attempts to rise.
Helping
the cow rise:
On every day
of the recumbency, an attempt should be made to bring the cow to its feet.
Several simple but effective techniques can be tried.
In one
method, the clinician stands with feet pressed under the cow at a point below
the scapulohumeral joint. A sharp blow is delivered by driving the knees into
the muscle mass below and caudal to the scapula. This method must not be used
on the thoracic wall unprotected by the muscle mass to avoid fracturing the
ribs. If the animal struggles to rise, an assistant should grasp the root of
the tailhead with both hands and lift. Lifting on any other part of the tail
may cause damage.
The
value of hip clamps is controversial. Their proper use requires experience,
skill, and a delicate touch. Continual use causes trauma and pain that is
counterproductive. The forelimbs support 60 per cent of a cow’s weight and,
therefore, the use of a canvas sling under the sternum is almost mandatory for
consistent success.
Even if the cow does not stand, the
lifted position provides an opportunity to manipulate the limbs, auscultate for
crepitation, and perform vaginal and rectal examinations.
Supporting
the downer cow:
It is vital that recumbent cows be provided with clean water at all
times. A shallow rubber feed bowl prevents spillage. If the cow does not drink,
she must be given fluid therapy either by drench or parenterally. Every effort
must be made to roll the cow from one side onto the other every 3 hr. If this
is not done, the weight of the cow results in ischemia in the muscles of the
hindlimb. This pathology precedes various myopathies and may precipitate the
compartment syndrome.
Protection from the elements is essential. Rain and wind can reduce
body temperature considerably and worsen shock if present. A windbreak of straw
bales is vital. Straw bedding should be provided to help insulate the cow from
the ground. A recumbent cow does not require a warm environment; however, in a
cold environment, an inactive animal can gradually succumb to hypothermia.
The downer cows most difficult to treat are those
that do not try to eat. A cow that salivates on its feed will not eat it later.
Rather than being offered large amounts of feed, the cow should be tempted with
sweet hay. This should be cleared away every 30 min if not accepted. Placing
bitter-tasting weeds such as ivy or dandelion in the mouth may provoke
salivation and an interest in eating. Lettuce and cabbage leaves are accepted
by some cows. In extreme cases, the cow can be drenched with rumen contents.
Sometimes drenching with a thin gruel to which powdered ginger and/or gentian
has been added can be helpful.
What is Downer Cow Syndrome
Reviewed by IMRAN ULLAH GONDAL
on
January 26, 2020
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