Milk Fever

Milk Fever is the most common metabolic condition that usually occurs around three days either side of calving. In the early lactation stages, a high producing cow’s calcium requirements exceed her ability to mobilise calcium reserves (bones) and absorb enough calcium from the diet.

Milk fever may be seen in cows of any age but it is more common in high producing dairy cows over five years of age.

Please contact your nearest Franklin Vets if you notice any of the following problems

• Staggering
• Lying down with head and neck kinked back
• Tremors
• Hypothermia
• Constipation
   

Effective treatment with calcium can be achieved if it is administered in time. Treatment with calcium orally or under the skin may be sufficient in early cases. However, often a vet visit will be required to administer intravenous calcium, especially for cases where the animal is down. It is important to keep affected animals warm, well-fed and with fresh water available.

Act immediately. If left untreated cows will die due to circulatory collapse and respiratory failure.

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