F510
Milk Fever (Hypocalcemia)

Introduction: Milk fever is a very common condition found on many dairy farms. This problem, however can be prevented in most cases by utilizing a properly balanced ration.

Cause: Milk fever occurs when the calcium levels in the blood drop below 7.5 mg/dl. A sudden drop in blood calcium occurs when an animal begins lactating (producing milk).

Clinical Signs:
  1. Weak to down cow, close to or after calving
  2. The cow may have a dry nose that is not kept clean
  3. Cold extremities (ears, etc.)
  4. Normal to low temperature
  5. Bladder is often full and manure often dry

*Do not expect all of these signs to be present in every animal

Additional Diagnostics:
  1. Cow side calcium
  2. Blood work specifically looking at calcium

Treatment:
  1. An IV source of calcium (Choose one of the following):

* These should be given SLOWLY. The first bottle can be given using gravity and a 14 gauge needle over a 10-20 minute period. After the first bottle is given, the second one should be given at a slower rate and while monitoring the heart. If at any time in the calcium administration, the heart skips beats or becomes irregular, discontinue the IV immediately! Death can occur if calcium is given too quickly.

  1. Oral calcium can also be given for continued calcium supplementation
Figure 1
Intravenous calcium administration in the neck vein.

 

Figure 2
Giving calcium in the milk vein.

Note: If this method is chosen, use a small gauge needle and be sure to apply pressure to the vein after administration to prevent excessive bleeding.

 

After the first and/or second bottle, the animal may:
  1. Eructate
  2. Shake and shiver
  3. Have a moistened nose
  4. Have warmer extremities

* All of these are normal responses of calcium replacement in a cow low in calcium.

Prevention:

Milk fever can be eliminated by using anionic salts and a correctly formulated dry cow diet. Consult a nutritionist for specifics. Oral calcium can also be used for problem cows prior to calving.

Other conditions that may look like milk fever:
  1. Mastitis (weakness and possibly down)
  2. Calving paralysis (weakness and possibly down)
  3. Severe grain overload (acidosis)

* Before initiating any treatment, CONSULT A VETERINARIAN!