Dr Jeff Cave, Senior Veterinary Officer, Northern Region
As spring calving gets underway, livestock producers are reminded that a cow found unable to stand could be suffering from a range of conditions, some of which require urgent treatment.
Early diagnosis can improve the chances of recovery, reduce financial losses and safeguard animal welfare.
‘Downer cows’, as they are known, could be affected by physical injuries, metabolic disease or severe infections, with each requiring a different management approach.
One of the more common causes of a downer cow during the calving period is calving paralysis.
The condition is often associated with difficult births, particularly in heifers, when the obturator nerve, a major nerve in the lower spine, is compressed between the calf and the cow’s pelvis.
Affected animals are typically bright and alert but have little or no control over one or both hind legs.
Recovery depends largely on time and supportive care, although anti-inflammatory treatment may assist if given early.
Calving paralysis can resemble more serious injuries, including dislocated hips and back injuries, which may occur after slips or other accidents.
Cows with these injuries often continue to eat and drink normally despite being unable to rise. Consult your vet to determine the cause and likelihood of recovery.
Not all downer cows are suffering from injury.
Metabolic disease is another common cause and is usually accompanied by additional clinical signs.
Milk fever is most often seen in older, high-producing cows and is characterised by muscle tremors, weakness and unsteady movement before the animal goes down.
Grass tetany, another potentially life-threatening condition, is commonly seen during periods of stress, such as cold or wet weather, particularly on short grass-dominant pastures.
Affected cattle may become excitable or aggressive before collapsing and suffering severe convulsions.
Both milk fever and grass tetany require urgent treatment with appropriate calcium and magnesium therapy.
Pregnancy toxaemia, also known as acetonemia, can occur when cows do not receive enough dietary energy.
Behavioural changes are often visible before the animal becomes recumbent, and cases may signal a wider nutritional problem affecting the herd.
Severe infections can also leave cows unable to stand.
Conditions such as mastitis and metritis may lead to toxaemia, or blood poisoning, causing affected animals to appear depressed, dehydrated and unwell.
Producers are encouraged to carefully check the udder for signs of mastitis and examine recently calved cows for evidence of uterine injury.
Determining why a cow is down is the first and most important step, as a successful outcome depends on prompt treatment and diligent nursing.
Producers are urged to make realistic assessments.
Animals with little prospect of recovery should be humanely euthanised to prevent unnecessary suffering.
For cows with a reasonable chance of recovery, a dry, sheltered environment with deep bedding is essential.
Animals should be positioned upright on their chest, turned regularly to prevent pressure damage, and provided with adequate feed and water.
Hip clamps may assist the cow to rise but should only be used briefly.
Contact your veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria veterinary staff if you need advice.
