Calving Disorders
• Dystocia
• Paralysis
• Prolapsed Uterus
• Retained Placenta
• Metritis
• Milk fever
Calving DisordersDystocia
• WhatDifficulty with calving
• WhenNo progress after calf in the birth canal
• WhyCalf not presented properly
Large calf
Twins
Milk fever
Calving DisordersDystocia
• Diagnosis Vaginal Exam
Must recognize proper presentations
Front- 2 front legs, head
Rear- 2 rear legs
“Spine to spine”
ALWAYS clean before examination
Calving DisordersDystocia
• Treatment Assisted pulling
Correct problems in presentation
Consider veterinary help-especially if something feels unusual
Calving DisordersDystocia
• Prevention Breed heifers of proper size
Calving ease bulls
Frequent observation- better to check cow and ask for unecessary help than have a dead cow
Always check for second calf
Calving DisordersCalving Paralysis
• WhatCow has nerve and muscle damage from
trauma of calving
• WhenAfter calf is pulled
• WhyCalf not presented properly
Large calf
Calving too long a time periuod
Calving DisordersCalving Paralysis
• Diagnosis History of hard calving
Cow is usually alert, eating, drinking
Normal temperature
Be careful of more serious problems
• TreatmentTincture of time
Lifting
Anti-inflammatory agents
Treatment
Calving DisordersCalving Paralysis
• Prevention Avoid dystocias
Know when to call veterinarian
Usually if hadn’t made any progress in 30 minutes of assistance
Calving DisordersProlapsed Uterus
• WhatCow has pushed uterus outside body-
“inside out”
• WhenAfter calf is pulled out
• WhyDystocia
Large calf
Milk Fever
Calving DisordersProlapsed Uterus
• Diagnosis Usually within hours after calving
Uterus laying on ground behind cow
• TreatmentCall veterinarian immediately
Provide clean area, feedsacks, sheets to help lift uterus
Antibacterials
Calving DisordersRetained Placenta
• WhatCow has fetal membranes still attached to
uterus-partly outside the cow
• WhenAfter calving- at least 12 hours later
• WhyDystocia
Milk Fever
Twins
Retained Fetal MembranesWhat is Normal?
• 50 Citations in Literature from 1979 to 1995– Lactational Incidence Rates Ranged
from 1.3% to 39.2%– Median LIR was 8.6%
Kelton, et al., 1998. JDS 81:2502
Calving DisordersRetained Uterus
• Diagnosis “Cow didn’t clean”
Wait 12 hours after calving
• TreatmentNothing - if metritis isn’t present
Remove suspended membranes
Lutalyse- consult veterinarian
Calving DisordersRetained Placenta
• Prevention Avoid dystocias
Prevent milk fever
Well balanced dry cow rations
ECP- consult veterinarian
Calving DisordersMetritis
• WhatAn infection of the uterus that has actually
invaded into tissue
• WhenUsually observed within 2 weeks after
calving
• WhyDystocia
Twins
Retained placenta
MetritisWhat is Normal?
• 43 Citations in Literature from 1979 to 1995– Lactational Incidence Rate Ranged
from 2.2% to 37.3%– Median LIR was 10.1%
Kelton, et al., 1998. JDS 81:2502
Calving DisordersMetritis
• Diagnosis Vaginal discharge - foul smelling
Cow may have fever, off feed
• TreatmentMore severe cases require antibacterials
Lutalyse
Consult veterinarian for protocol
Calving DisordersMetritis
• Prevention Avoid dystocias
Prevent milk fever
Well balanced dry cow rations
Prevent retained placentas
PHYSICAL EXAMS of cows for 7 to 10 days after calving
Calving DisordersMilk Fever
• WhatHypocalcemia- low calcium in blood
• WhenUsually observed within 2 days after
calving-can occur before calving
• WhyCows 3rd lactation or greater
Rapid synthesis of milk into udder, drains calcium from blood
Serum Calcium Levels at Parturition
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Days from Parturition
Ser
um
Ca
(mg
/dl)
Normal
Hypocalcemia
Milk Fever
Goff, 1999. DHM 36(11):29
Milk FeverWhat is Normal?
• 33 Citations in Literature from 1979to 1995– Lactational Incidence Rates Ranged
from 0.03% to 22.3%– Median LIR was 6.5%
Kelton, et al., 1998. JDS 81:2502
Calving DisordersMilk Fever
• Diagnosis No fever- or low body temperature
Cow down- early may be staggering
Off feed, no manure
Glazed eyes, “S” bend in neck
Be careful of other problems
• TreatmentCalcium IV, subcutaneous
Must be careful of overdosing
Calving DisordersMilk Fever
• Prevention Early detection while cow still standing
Well balanced ration, especially before calving
Early Lactation PitfallsDisplaced Abomasum
• WhatAbomasum in wrong place of abdomen-
“DA”
• WhenUsually within 60 days after calving-can
occur anytime
• WhyCows that go off feed
Any previous health problem
LDAWhat is Normal?
• 22 Citations in Literature from 1979 to 1995– Lactational Incidence Rate Ranged
from 0.3% to 6.3%– Median LIR was 1.7%
Kelton, et al., 1998. JDS 81:2502
Early Lactation PitfallsDisplaced Abomasum
• Diagnosis“Ping” heard on side of abdomen
Off feed
Ketosis
• TreatmentSurgery
Early Lactation PitfallsDisplaced Abomasum
• PreventionBalanced ration with fiber
Balanced ration for transition cows
Prevent causes of cows going off-feed
Early Lactation PitfallsKetosis
• WhatCow in low energy balance
Burns off fat so fast creates “ketones” in blood
• WhenUsually within 30 days after calving
• WhyLow body condition
Any other cause for going off-feed
KetosisWhat is Normal?
• 36 Citations in Literature from 1979 to 1995– Lactational Incidence Rate Ranged
from 1.3% to 18.3%– Median LIR was 4.8%
Kelton, et al., 1998. JDS 81:2502
Early Lactation PitfallsKetosis
• Diagnosis“Smell” of acetone on breath
Keto-stick turns purple in urine
Off feed
• TreatmentDextrose IV
Propylene glycol drench
Glucocorticoids
Consult veterinarian for protocol
Early Lactation PitfallsKetosis
• PreventionBalanced ration for all stages of lactation
cycle- including dry cows
Maintain proper body condition for all stages of lactation cycle
Prevent other diseases
Early Lactation PitfallsOther Diseases
• Rumen acidosis
• Abomasal Ulcers
• Fatty Liver
• All require veterinary assistance in diagnosis/prevention
Everday ProblemsMastitis
• WhatInfection of the udder
Most likely to treat clinical mastitis
Can be mild to severe
• WhenUsually lactating cows
• WhyPoor milking technique
Unclean cow housing
Clinical MastitisWhat is Normal?
• 62 Citations in Literature from 1979 to 1995– Lactational Incidence Rate Ranged
from 1.7% to 54.6%– Median LIR was 14.2%
• Michigan study suggested 1-2 % of cows each month is a good goal
Kelton, et al., 1998. JDS 81:2502
Everyday Problems Mastitis
• DiagnosisAbnormal milk
Swollen quarter
Cow may be off feed, fever
Off feed
• TreatmentConsult veterinarian
Antibacterials
Supportive care
Everyday Problems Mastitis
• PreventionImportant to keep records
Culture of milk samples
Proper milking technique
Maintain clean, dry, comfortable cows
Everday ProblemsPneumonia
• WhatInfection of the respiratory tract-lungs
• WhenAnytime
Usually after new arrivals
Rapid weather changes
• WhyLack of immunity (vaccination)
Poor ventilation/housing
Everyday Problems Pneumonia
• DiagnosisFever
Labored breathing/sounds
Depression
Off feed
• TreatmentConsult veterinarian
Antibacterials
Supportive care
Everyday Problems Pneumonia
• PreventionImportant to keep records
Vaccination program
Biosecurity program
Maintain well-ventilated, dry housing
Everday ProblemsLameness
• WhatInfection or injury of feet or legs
• WhenAnytime
• WhyFoot rot
Heel warts
Punctures
Rumen acidosis/laminitis “founder”
Everyday Problems Lameness
• DiagnosisCow with limp
Standing / walking with “humped back”
Must examine foot
• TreatmentConsult veterinarian-antibacterials
Foot trimming/bandages
Everyday Problems Lameness
• PreventionRegular foot trimming
Foot baths
Well designed stalls for cows
Well balanced rations
Everday ProblemsEnteritis
• WhatInfection of intestinal tract
Can be acute (winter dysentery) or
Chronic (Johne’s)
• WhenAnytime
Everday ProblemsEnteritis
• WhyFeed changes
Salmonella
Winter dysentery
Parasites (younger animals)
BVD
Johne’s disease
Everyday Problems Enteritis
• DiagnosisOff feed
Diarrhea
Weight loss
Blood or fecal tests
• TreatmentConsult veterinarian-
Everyday Problems Enteritis
• PreventionVaccination (BVD)
Strict biosecurity
Sanitation
Clean feed handling
Separatiuon of calves from cows
Culling
Gradual feed changes
Everday ProblemsHardware
• WhatForeign object (metal) in digestive tract
• WhenAnytime
• WhyCows swallow nails, wire
Causes punctures in digestive tract
Liver abcesses
Heart damage
Everyday Problems Hardware
• DiagnosisOff feed
Often normal to dry manure
Arched back
Usually no fever
Diarrhea
• TreatmentConsult veterinarian-antibacterials
Magnet
Everyday Problems Hardware
• PreventionCareful of needles, tools, wire, nails
around farm
Magnets to all heifers?
Goals and Objectives of 100-Day Contract
• Protect Fresh Cows from Pathogens via Sanitation and Vaccination
• “Temp” All Fresh Cows Daily for 10 Days Post-Calving and Treat Appropriately
• Use ECP® Sterile Solution on Problem Cows to Keep Uterus Sensitive to Oxytocin
• Prevent Toxic Metritis
Fresh Period
Fresh Period
Goals and Objectives of 100-Day Contract
• Keep Cows on Feed Following Calving
• Early Identification Problems– Day One if Possible
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures
• Return to Positive Energy Balance by 45 Days in Milk
Components of 100-Day Contract
• Clean Calving EnvironmentClean Calving Environment
• Third Upjohn J-5 Bacterin within Two Third Upjohn J-5 Bacterin within Two Weeks of CalvingWeeks of Calving
• Body Condition Score at CalvingBody Condition Score at Calving
• Daily Monitoring of Each Cow for First 10 Daily Monitoring of Each Cow for First 10 Days after CalvingDays after Calving
• Administer Supportive Therapy as NeededAdminister Supportive Therapy as Needed
Fresh Period
10 Day Postpartum Monitoring Program
• Involves evaluating each fresh cow every day for 10 days.– Observe Attitude of Cow– Rectal temperature (>103.0°F.)– Sick, “Off feed”
• Ketosis• Displaced Abomasum• Physical exam for other diseases
Dr. Lynn Upham, Bovine Proceedings, September, 1996
10 Day Postpartum Monitoring Program
• Practical approach to managing uterine health with 2 major goals:– Maximize potential milk yield by keeping cows
“on feed” (pick up and diagnose problems early!)
– Aid future reproduction by stimulating rapid uterine involution
Fresh Cow Monitoring System
Flow Chart
Normal
Normal
1) 10 Day PP Monitoring
Fever Sick/"Off Feed"
Normal
"Abnormal"1) 10 Day PP Monitoring2) ECP® Sterile Solution, 2 cc. IM3) LUTALYSE® Sterile Solution, 1 ds. (14-28 days PP)
Fresh Cow
Fever Sick/"Off Feed"
“Abnormal” Fresh Cow
• Assisted Calving - If chains/baling twine are used or if vulva is entered.
• Twins
• Dead Calves
• Milk Fever
• Retained Placenta
Fresh Cow Program
No treatment
Antibiotic ECP® (4 mg - if not
given day one)PREDEF® 2X (20 mg once)
Supportive Rx as needed
PREDEF® 2X (20 mg once)
Supportive Rx as needed
Normal Fever +/- Off-feed Off-feed; no fever
Day One Problem Cows
ECP® (4 mg once)
10-Day EvaluationTemperature andPhysical Exam
LUTALYSE®
Clean-UpDay 14-21
LUTALYSE®
Clean-UpDay 14-21
Why ?
ECP® (Estradiol cypionate) -- day one• Very low dose (4mg)
– Effects last 5-7 days– Keeps uterus sensitive to oxytocin – Improved neutrophil function ?
ECP® (estradiol cypionate)
• All “abnormal” cows receive 2 cc IM as soon as possible after calving.
• Purpose:– Increases uterine contractions; keeps the uterus “sensitive”
to oxytocin– Increases uterine blood supply– Activates neutrophils
• When:– Early postpartum – May repeat in seven days– Do not use after 14 days
Why?
Temperature monitoring– GLA thermometers
– Early warning
– More effective treatment
– Improved Animal Welfare!
What Can We Give These Cows Day One to Keep Them From Becoming Toxic Metritis
Day 5-10 ?
Calcium ?
Oxytocin ?
Estrogens ?
Antibiotics ?
Parasite Control
Ectoparasites
Flies, lice, ticks
Endoparasites
Nematodes (worms)
Protozoans (coccidia, cryptosporidia)
Parasite Control
Ectoparasites (Flies, lice, ticks)
Can cause loss of production
More important as carriers (vectors) of disease
• Pink eye, Lyme disease, blue tongue, anaplasmosis
Control by topical insectisides
• Eprinex, Ivomec (not for lactating cows)
Parasite Control
Endoparasites- Nematodes
Most critical for younger animals
Have to be ingested from pasture
Most infective during warm, wet weather
Can cause weight loss
Control by deworming at strategic times of year- summer, fall
Top Related