Downer cows are a common issue on a dairy farm. Without suitable care and attention, they can fast become a serious welfare concern. It is important that we improve cow comfort whilst under treatment, and increase chance of recovery.
There are many conditions that could cause a cow to be down. These include
- Metabolic e.g. milk fever, ketosis, staggers
- Toxic e.g. metritis, mastitis
- Traumatic e.g. fractures, hip dislocation, nerve paralysis
If you are not sure of the cause, please call us. We can do a clinical examination and may take samples to reach a diagnosis. Then specific treatment can be started, or in some cases euthanasia may be appropriate on animal welfare grounds.
Cows are very poorly suited for lying down for long periods – in as little as 2-4 hours, especially on a hard surface such as concrete, they will start to develop ‘downer cow syndrome’. Hind limb muscles are compressed by their own bodyweight, reducing blood flow, which leads to pain and swelling. This may lead to secondary nerve damage. Further complications may include mastitis and injuries due to struggling.
The quality of nursing care a downer cow receives will directly influence the chance of success.
The essentials of nursing are:
- A clean soft bed – such as deep straw or sand, or a dry paddock.
- Good quality feed and fresh water must always be available. If the cow isn’t drinking on her own then she will need to be stomach tubed and pumped with fluids.
- If possible, the cow should be encouraged to stand every 6 hours. As a minimum, the legs should be manipulated regularly to stimulate blood flow, and the cow should be turned onto the opposite side.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs such as Metacam should be given.
- Lactating dairy cows should be milked and checked for mastitis regularly.
Lifting and moving
Lifting the cow can assist them to stand, help prevent pressure-related injuries, and allows more thorough examination; however this must be done with great care as inappropriate lifting may cause further harm. A hip hoist is a useful tool if certain rules are adhered to.
Use of hip hoists should always be supervised by a trained and experienced operator.
- Cows with injury such as broken leg or dislocated hip should not be lifted.
- Lift over a soft surface if possible.
- Consider using a wide strap behind the front legs to support the front end of the cow.
- Lift the cow slowly into a normal weight-bearing position – not up into the air.
- Cows should NEVER be moved using a hip hoist.
We strongly recommend that any member of staff involved with lifting or moving of downer cows receives suitable training, please contact us for further information.
Written By Bella Lowis, Veterinary Surgeon
