Case Overview:
I was called to treat an adult cow that was about 7-8 years old, six to seven months pregnant, and had a daily yield of 4-5 liters of milk leads to feel some Hypocalcemia symptoms. Upon arrival, I could see that the cow was panting severely and had a high fever. In addition, there was a decrease in the amount of her usual rumen content and feces. The cow was diagnosed with an acute form of parasitic infestation complicated by hypocalcemia and milk fever.
Diagnostics:
The cow was panting, had a temperature of 105’F, and a reduced amount of rumen contents. Due to the animal’s condition, I suspected that the cow might have a parasitic infection and early stages of hypocalcemia due to her advanced pregnancy and milk yield.
Emergency Treatment:
The emergency treatment that I administered to the cow was calcium and fluid therapy, treatment for parasitic infection, and symptomatic therapy. Specifically, I used the following drugs and treatments:
1. Calcium & Fluid Treatment:
1. Calcium Borogluconate – 450 ml – slow intra venous infusion
2. Normal saline solution – 2000 ml – intra venous infusion (to fight fluid loss)
2. Antibiotic & Parasitic Treatment:
1. Oxytetracycline – 50 mg/ml – 60 ml – infusion into the fluid
2. Diminazene Diaceturate – 25 ml – intra muscular injection
3. Symptomatic Treatment:
1. Analgin – 20 ml – intra venous injection (to reduce the fever)
2. Vitamin B – complex preparation (B1, B6, B12) – 15 ml – intra venous
3. Tonophosphan / Phosphorus 20% – 15 ml – intra venous infusion (to improve the appetite and nerve function)
4. Further treatment:
Meloxicam + Paracetamol – bolus – 6 hours after the previous stage – twice a day – for three days.
Follow-up Treatment and Outcome:
An improvement in the cow’s condition was observed about 8-12 hours after emergency treatment. On the second day, the cow’s temperature was normal, and she was breathing steadily. However, on the second day, I did not repeat diminazene diaceturate (Berenil) because the first injection was strong enough to stay in the system for two days.
FAQ :
01. Does hypocalcemia cause fever?
Answer : It happens in Eclampsia in bitch due to severe incordinated muscle activities. But in Ruminant; due to no muscle activity and calcium is draining through muscles (not from bones); normally animal has sub normal body temperature. (Here; high fever is due to another pathogen organisms).
02. What are the calcium levels in a cow with milk fever?
Answer : Normally, Calcium and Phosphorus level is 2:1 in blood level. Calcium and phosphorus are shows 9to12 mg/100ml and 4to6mg/100ml, respectively. But due to calcium draining through muscles; it downs upto even 3mg/dl also.
03. What are the treatment options for milk fever in cows?
As I mentioned in articles; calcium borogluconate; phosphorus; vitamin D; is main essential treatment for milk fever and Hypocalcemia.