Consequences of postpartum paresis in cows
Postpartum paresis in cows is a paralytic disease, accompanied by paralysis of the esophagus, intestines, tongue and all limbs, which leads to loss of consciousness and deep coma. Basically, this ailment affects cows, occasionally pigs and goats. The reasons for the genesis of paresis in a cow after calving remain unclear to date.
Postpartum paresis in cows
Symptoms
Paresis in a cow after calving appears in the first 72 hours. Very rarely, the disease manifests itself after 14 days or after a couple of months. The initial signs of the development of the disease:
- decreased activity;
- decreased appetite;
- tremor of the whole body;
- does not feel pain;
- the udder may develop a rash.
In an advanced stage, the animal cannot stand up. One of the signs is the posture in which the cattle lies: the limbs are bent under the belly, and the head is turned to the side. The neck is arched in the shape of an English S. Horns and limbs are cold, the body temperature often drops to 35 ° C. There is no urination and stool discharge. Paralysis of the pharynx is characterized by prolapse of the tongue, profuse salivation. For some individuals, the manifestation of overexcitement is characteristic: animals shake their heads, turn over. Emitting gnashing of teeth, they beat against the walls and moo loudly. Short-term activity is replaced by a depressed state.
Factors provoking the onset of the disease
There are many versions, but the main reason for the development has not been identified. According to one version, maternity paresis in a cow begins in connection with a cold, which the animal acquires during calving. Other scientists believe that postpartum paresis in a cow is caused by malfunctioning of the pancreatic gland, which secretes an unusually large amount of insulin. In the course of experiments, it was proved that after an injection of insulin, a cow develops the standard signs of paresis after calving. Also, in the course of research, it was revealed that a separate group of animals with certain characteristics is most often exposed to the disease.
- Postpartum paresis occurs in highly productive dairy individuals that have reached the age of 5-8 years. Rarely is it seen in young heifers.
- Often, the disease affects purebred purebred animals with excellent prospects for milk production.
- With constant presence in the stall during the cold season.
- Paresis in cows after calving often occurs if dry feed from concentrates predominates in the diet.
- The manifestations of the disease are characteristic for cattle with a sufficiently large weight.
- Symptoms of the disease will appear in cattle with a violation of the glucose-protein balance in the body.
Description of treatment
Treatment of paresis in cows for a long time consisted of local and general methods. However, the methods were ineffective and did not reduce the suffering of the animal.
Algorithm for the treatment of maternity paresis in a cow:
- the animal needs to be treated with a glucose solution in combination with calcium chloride;
- sodium benzonate and caffeine injection;
- an injection of vitamin D2 with magnesium sulfate will have a beneficial effect on the condition of the animal.
In this case, the dosage must be determined by the veterinarian.
Simultaneously with the injections, the udder of the animal is pumped with air. For the procedure, the cattle are laid on their side. The udders are removed and filled with air using the Evers apparatus. This should be done at a moderate pace, starting with the lower beats. After that, the nipples are tied with bandages. Leave in this state for about half an hour. Do not tie up the mammary glands with threads, otherwise the tissue may die off. Massage with very careful movements for five minutes. Often, after such procedures, noticeable relief comes, and the animal begins to gradually get to its feet. If after 6-8 hours there is no positive result, the pumping manipulations should be repeated.
When the animal rises, it is necessary to milk it 1-2 times a day. The breast bandages are removed as soon as the cow gets up. Often, birth paresis in a cow is accompanied by chills, then you need to warm the cattle. To do this, on the sides along the back, starting from the back and gradually moving forward, they begin to perform active circular movements with hay, then cover them with a blanket and put heating pads. Together with warming, it is necessary to rub camphor oil into the udder and put in laxative enemas with a solution of medium salts and sugar.
Features of the inflation procedure
The Evers unit, used for air injection, includes injection balls and a bicycle pump, which are combined with a movable tube with a catheter at the end. In order not to infect the mammary gland, a filter is inserted into the hose. Slow, measured pumping can have a more effective effect on receptors than a fast one. After all the lobes have been inflated, it is necessary to pump air into those that were inflated first.
The criterion by which it is determined whether enough air has already been injected is the general tension of the skin. With a lack of air, the therapeutic effect may be absent, and with an excess, rupture of the alveoli may occur, resulting in subcutaneous emphysema, which is easily removed by palpation. Excessive amount of air is absorbed, but this has a very bad effect on further milk production.
After the entire procedure, you need to massage the tips of the nipples. This manipulation encourages the sphincter to contract and prevents air leakage. It happens that already after 15 minutes the animal feels a significant improvement in well-being. After the cattle is on their feet, tremors are often observed throughout the body, which can continue for several more hours.
Features of therapy in severe form and possible complications
Symptoms of severe postpartum paresis in cows are lack of urination and fecal retention. First of all, treatment is based on the release of excrement and urine by massaging the rectum. Trocar is an excellent remedy to help deal with gas in the development of tympathy. During the treatment of postpartum paresis in cows, medications should not be given by mouth to the animal due to the possibility of pharyngeal paralysis. In the presence of such a complication, drugs will enter the trachea, which will lead to disastrous consequences. It is quite easy to find out how successful the treatment is. Literally in a couple of hours, the animal has an appetite, and it can get back on its feet. These will be the first signs indicating that everything has been done correctly and on time.
The rapid and severe course of the disease leads to the development of such a pathology as tympathy. Treatment consists in piercing the scar and injecting a 5% alcohol solution up to 400 ml into the cavity.In no case should you try to administer medications by mouth. The measures taken on time will help to cure the animal in a couple of days without leaving a trace. However, there is no guarantee that the disease will not reappear after the next birth. There is a chance that a cow will develop paresis after each calving. If you are interested in the topic of paresis in cows, the corresponding video can be viewed below.
Alternative methods and how to keep your cow safe
One of the alternative methods of treatment is the introduction of fresh or warmed milk from a healthy animal into one quarter of the udder. With a syringe, up to 2 liters of milk must be injected through the catheter. This technique has several advantages. After pumping fresh milk, the animal quickly gets to its feet. If there is no improvement, it is recommended to inject the same amount of milk into the same portion, and pump the rest with air. Usually, the effect after the procedure is visible within 30 minutes.
To prevent the development of paresis, you need to use simple preventive measures. Prevention is as follows:
- in the prenatal period, in about a few weeks, it is necessary to change the diet, removing juicy herbs and concentrates from it;
- do not walk the animal during the hot part of the day;
- in the prenatal period, everything in the barn should be equipped in such a way that there are no drafts;
- in the dry phase or with a decrease in lactation, it is necessary to stop giving concentrated feed: it is recommended to give 8 kg of hay and no more than 3 kg of concentrate;
- 7 days before giving birth, you can give an injection of vitamin D2, and also start giving a glucose solution;
- during the launch, it is recommended to give the animal minerals, as well as regularly walk the cow, if the weather permits.
Conclusions, generalizations, forecast
Postpartum paresis is often seen in high yielding dairy cows or older cows. The manifestations of the disease in young heifers are extremely rare. The main reasons for the development of the disease lie in improper diet and care of animals.
Typical symptoms are observed most often in the first three days after calving, very rarely - after a couple of months. If you do not provide help to the animal in time, after the first manifestations, the stage of paralysis sets in, when the animal falls to one side with its head thrown back. It is quite difficult to get a cow out of this state. In 70% of cases, the animal dies without therapy. After the first manifestations of the disease, not a minute can be lost, and if the veterinarian needs to wait a very long time, it is necessary to start acting independently.
Treatment of birth paresis includes a set of various measures. The main thing is to remember that it is strictly forbidden to give any medications to the cow through the mouth, otherwise they can get into the trachea and then the consequences cannot be avoided. Today, on the Internet, you can watch the video "treatment of paresis in a cow", which will tell you in detail how to properly provide first aid to a sick animal and prevent the development of the disease.
If you do all the manipulations on time, the female will get to her feet in a couple of hours and feel a significant improvement. In most cases, the prognosis is quite favorable. The disease can be cured without harm to the animal. However, do not forget that it will be much easier to prevent it than to cure it. Simple prophylaxis and appropriate care is the key to good health for your pet.