For years farmers and veterinarians have pondered the proverbial downer cow.
Typically, a downer surprises the farmer. It is often a perfectly healthy cow that suddenly falls down and is unable to rise. Because cattle, especially mature ones, are so heavy, complications can ensue after they’re down even a short time. Pressure sores and stiff muscles from trying to rise or becoming spread-eagled are common complications that the veterinarian must treat.
With in-house blood testing now available at most clinics, several tests can be performed on downer cattle to determine the cause. While “milk fever” is often implicated, deficiencies of calcium, phosphorus or magnesium can resemble one another.
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With dairy cattle, true milk fever results from a shortage of calcium generally at parturition when the demand for milk is greatest. Beef cattle can have milk fevers at different times, either before calving or late into lactation. Poor mineral use or improper feeding are often the causes.
Veterinarians will usually take a blood sample to test for those three minerals. If a deficiency is found, the diagnosis is made and treatment initiated.
In my experience, grass tetany downers resulting from magnesium deficiency are less likely to recover once down. Phosphorus leads to the creeper cow, which can take a long time to get up.
In all these mineral deficient situations, the case you see may be the tip of the iceberg. The rest of the herd should be scrutinized and some cows may be randomly blood tested to prevent other cases.
Injuries to the neck or peripheral nerves can also cause downer animals. Diagnosis is challenging because a thorough clinical exam can be difficult once an animal is down. Severe lameness and trauma are more obvious if the animal can walk.
A blown knee or broken leg can present as a downer animal. It is important that a veterinarian rolls the animal over and examines all four legs.
An animal that has survived a lightning strike may have damaged peripheral nerves that cause it to go down.
With parturition, a difficult birth can cause pressure on the obturator nerves where they run through the pelvis, resulting in knuckling and weakness to the hind end. If caught early, anti-inflammatory drugs, as recommended by your veterinarian, may help significantly.
But be careful. Bad mastitis, metritis, which is an infected uterus, or cases of tetanus brought on by retained placentas can fool even experienced practitioners. They can occur just after calving and if sick enough, cows will be unable to rise simply because of weakness.
Any condition that results in dehydration, such as septicemias and toxemias, may cause a downer.
If the cattle appear sick and depressed, a large number of maladies will cause enough weakness or toxemia to cause a downer situation. Severe electrolyte imbalances, such as too much potassium in the bloodstream, can cause cattle to go down.
Again, a veterinarian can test for most of these electrolytes to make sure the proper ailment is being treated.
Excitable cattle will go down if they are chased for a considerable amount of time. The resulting muscle damage is similar to white muscle disease in young calves. This is called “capture myopathy” and happens when zoo animals are captured. Selenium may help, but once down the prognosis is poor.
Downers are caused by a multitude of medical conditions and most have different treatments. Some have favourable results while others aren’t as successful. The important thing is to have the animal examined immediately and determine the cause.
While you’re waiting, provide soft footing to prevent pressure sores. Roll the downers side to side several times a day.
Provide the essentials of life such as quality water and feed, as well as shade on hot days. Watch for fly strike around the rectal and vaginal areas.
Some cases such as broken legs or stifle injuries may warrant emergency slaughter so do not rush in and treat unless the exact cause is known. Transporting large downers is frowned upon so it’s best to slaughter emergency cases on site.
Hip lifters and slings can be employed to lift cattle, but I suggest this only if certain criteria are met. Cattle must be trying to rise and when lifted must bear some weight themselves. There is no point in lifting if they just hang. Lift for only 15 to 20 minutes twice daily. The hip lifters also cause muscle bruising so you will want the benefits to outweigh the negatives.
Roy Lewis is a veterinarian practising in Westlock, Alta.
