View the Moocall sensor  Managing disease and health problems in cows can prove very difficult, especially if you have a large herd.

One of the most common problems with cows is the Downer Cow Syndrome.

Unfortunately, since the potential causes for this disease are quite numerous, the diagnosis and prognosis is not so straightforward.

Consequently the most suitable treatment might not always be given.

Needless to say, it’s very important to seek the advice of a vet to improve the chances of successful treatment.

What is Bovine Secondary Recumbency (Downer Cow Syndrome)?

Downer Cow Syndrome is also known as Bovine Secondary Recumbency.

There are various reasons why cattle may end up becoming recumbent, ranging from metabolic or toxic problems, to trauma and infections.

When a cow is unable to rise for more than 24 hours after the initial recumbency, then secondary recumbency takes place, thus the name of this condition.

This occurs mainly due to the fact that there will be considerable pressure on the muscles and nerves.

If recumbency is prolonged, the muscle and nerve injuries will often include pressure-induced ischemic necrosis, specifically on the muscles in the thighs, which often negatively affect the hindlegs too.

Some cows may still be alert, and not show any signs of systemic illness.

They may also continue to eat and drink.

Other cows will however be non alert and visibly appear depressed and unwell.

What Causes Downer Cow Syndrome?

As noted above, the causes for recumbency are numerous.

They are in fact divided into four categories.

Metabolic

There are various metabolic conditions that could lead to cattle becoming recumbent. These include:

Inflammation

Inflammatory problems include acute septic metritis and acute mastitis.

There is also the possibility of developing acute peritonitis, such as a ruptured uterus or traumatic reticulitis.

Neurological

Neurological problems could also be the underlying reasons for recumbency.

The cow might be experiencing obturator, sciatic or femoral nerve paralysis.

Trauma

The cow might be suffering from trauma.

Traumatic conditions include a dislocated hip, a rupture in a tendon, muscle or ligament, or a fractured femur.

Downer Cow Syndrome Symptoms

Cow Suffering from Grass Tetany

Image source: Wikipedia

In cases when the treatment of the underlying cause of recumbency was not deemed successful and the cow still did not manage to rise after more than 24 hours of becoming recumbent, there will be other symptoms noted.

These symptoms develop mainly as a result of the pressure damage that’s made on the muscles and nerves.

The vet will be looking for such clinical signs in order to diagnose the best treatment options.

Some downer cows will demonstrate no effort to get up, but some may start moving around on their forelimbs.

Some downer cows will lie in sternal recumbency, that is on their breast bone.

Whilst some may have a listless look, this is often indicative that the problem is hypocalcemia.

On the other hand, most cows that are in sternal recumbency still look quite alert.

Unless the cow is known to be pregnant, in such a case the problem is most probably a rare condition or some form of physical damage.

Periparturient cows are often found in lateral recumbency, and this often indicates that there is a metabolic problem.

Some downer cows will still be quite alert and will also eat and drink, as well as pass urine and faeces.

Downer cows can often be a recently calved cow (generally within the first 48 hours).

The position of the hindlimbs will often be noted as this could indicate the cause of recumbency.

If the limbs are splayed out behind the cow, then it could be that the cow is suffering from obturator nerve paresis or paralysis.

There might also be a hip dislocation, or some form of fracture of the femur or tibia.

In cases when the upper limb is extended in a sideways position, and there is a crease in the skin, then a fracture is often the case.

Downer Cow Syndrome Treatment

Vet Inspecting Young Cow

Image source: Shutterstock

A vet will need to carry out a thorough physical examination of the suspected downer cow.

This will typically include:

  • Taking the rectal temperature. In case it is lower than normal, it is often concluded that there is some level of shock.
  • Checking how the eyes and the skin look. Eyes recessed in the orbit or a persistence of a skin fold for over 2 seconds are indicative of dehydration.
  • If the mucous membranes are pale, then there might be toxemia. This is often accompanied by a weak pulse and tachycardia.
  • Checking the cow’s respiration. This is generally laboured due to the pressure being made on the diaphragm.
  • Vaginal check, especially in a peripartum. There might be a decomposing fetus. There might also be some damage to the wall of the vagina, or an infection.
  • Rectal check.
  • Checking if there is lack of tonicity.
  • Checking for unexpected anomalies as these may be palpated.
  • Checking for any adhesions and lumps of necrotic fat.
  • Checking for hip dislocations or fractures.
  • Performing a mammary gland examination.
  • Taking blood samples.
  • There might be rupture of muscles in the thigh region, ischemic necrosis, or inflammatory injuries to the peroneal nerves.

So examination is necessary especially if it is suspected that the cow might have struggled to rise while being on a slippery surface.

This is often the case when the cow spread-eagled itself.

As can be seen, the diagnosis is not that simple as there could be multiple reasons why the cow is recumbent.

Treatment will thus depend on the findings from such examinations and checks.

It will typically involve one or more of the following:

  • In the case of hypocalcemic cows, there will be a lack of response to calcium therapy. Hence giving additional treatments involving potassium, magnesium and phosphorus is important.
  • Monitoring of the blood mineral status is extremely important.
  • Lateral recumbency will need to be corrected immediately to avoid stomach problems. The cow will need to be rolled to be in sternal recumbency. Support should be placed underneath the cow’s shoulder in order to maintain this posture.
  • Bed the area around and underneath the cow using wet manure, and over it spread around 10 inches of dry straw. Alternatively a bed of sand may be made. It is important to avoid leaving the downer cow on a concrete surface. With this measure the cow will have a better footing.
  • Many recumbent cows often lose interest in attempting to stand. In such cases a flotation tank with lukewarm water may need to be used to help the cow stand.

Nutrients

The vet may need to consider providing the cow with certain nutrients, especially if during recumbency it is not showing an interest in eating.

For hypocalcemic cows, calcium therapy will not work.

As a result, it is important to provide such cows with additional treatments so that phosphorus, magnesium and potassium are given.

Helping the Cow Stand

Cow Laying on Grass

Image source: Pixabay

It is important to try to help the cow to stand.

An attempt to stand the cow should be made every day.

There are various techniques that one may try. For example:

The clinician may stand with his feet pressed under the cow.

It is important that this should be at a point below the scapulohumeral joint.

Then, the clinician will drive the knees into the muscle mass in that area.

With this blow, the cow may try to rise.

In that case there should be someone ready to grasp the root of the tail to help with lifting.

In the case of recently calved cows, if they hear their calf bawling with hunger, they may be motivated to try to rise.

It is a good idea to keep the calf close to the cow, but not easily visible.

Hip clamps can be used, although this is not considered to be a good option by some and does carry controversy.

First off, it’s important that they are used properly.

Secondly continual use is discouraged as it can cause pain.

Since the forelimbs support around 60% of the cow’s weight, a canvas sling underneath the sternum will be required.

This should be put in place with a chest band to avoid having it slip backwards.

The clamp’s jaws will need to be lined with rubber or synthetic foam and often secured with duct tape.

It’s important to avoid applying the hip clamps too tightly, to allow for blood circulation to the limbs.

Moving the Cow

It’s very important to move the cow to a place where there is an earthen floor.

If the weather is warm and dry, a grassy pasture would be ideal.

Otherwise it is important that the area is sheltered, with a roof, so that the cow can be properly protected from the elements.

A hay barn or a shed would work well.

Obviously the cow will need to be lifted in order to be moved, and this is easier said than done.

A pulley system will need to be set in place in order to do this.

The cow will need to be rolled gently into lateral recumbency, and slid over dry straw.

To do this, you will need to attach a rope to its lower forelimb and a halter rope.

This arrangement would suffice for a short distance, but in case there is a relatively long distance, you will need to roll the cow over to a makeshift stretcher.

A tarpaulin will need to be placed on the gate to ensure that the cow does not come into contact with the ground.

A halter will help to minimise the cow from struggling, and it may be best to place a sack over the cow’s eyes to minimise the distress of being moved.

Its tail should be tied to the hock of its upper limb.

As soon as the cow has been successfully moved, it should be placed in sternal recumbency.

Supporting the Cow

Supportive care is of utmost importance for recumbent cows.

The following are some key ways to support such cows:

  • Clean water should be made available at all times. It is best to use a shallow rubber feed bowl.
  • In case the cow is not drinking water, fluid therapy by a drench or parenterally will need to be provided.
  • The cow should be rolled from one side to another at least three times per day.
  • There should be proper protection from the elements so that the cow is sufficiently warm and dry. Consider using a windbreak with straw bales and straw bedding to insulate it from the ground.
  • Avoid giving recumbent cows large amounts of feed. It is better to offer small amounts every now and then. In case the cow is not interested in eating or salivates on its feed, clear it away. Try to place some bitter tasting weeds like ivy, or some lettuce or cabbage leaves, as this could help it become more interested in eating a bit.

Downer Cow Syndrome Prevention

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure.

There are some things you could do to prevent the downer cow syndrome.

For instance, preventing milk fever is a very effective way to decrease the disease’s incidence.

In the case of dairy cows, it is important to keep an eye on them to be aware of any signs of parturient paresis.

Cows should be provided with prophylactic administration of calcium.

Animal Welfare Concerns

A cow recovering from the downer syndrome is not that straightforward, and as discussed earlier treatment can vary considerably depending on various factors.

Recumbency periods vary greatly, with some cows remaining recumbent for over 14 days.

It is important to monitor recumbent cows and offer proper care and support to help them rise.

Some cows will occasionally struggle to rise, and the level of alertness and whether eating and drinking is done normally, also affects the recovery.

The problem is generally when the recumbent cow looks listless, and does not want to eat.

There could also be cases where the cow has decubital lesions or is demonstrating signs of wastage.

In such cases euthanasia on humane grounds is often the best and most ethical option.

Conclusion

As you have discovered, downer cow syndrome is neither straightforward to prevent or treat.

It’s just one of many ailments that can affect cattle, making the cattle management process extremely challenging for farmers.

Moreover, bovine secondary recumbency can affect both mature cows and recent born calves.

Diagnosing the symptoms and providing proper treatment is essential to help such cows recover.

Their recovery will also depend greatly on the careful nursing and supportive care that will need to be provided.

Whilst it’s almost impossible to truly know if a cow is going to become recumbent, farmers can take other steps to make cattle management a little easier.

Even before a cow is born, devices such as the Moocall calving sensor can free up farmers to get on with daily commitments, as the device alerts you when a cow is about to calve.

Such technology goes a long way to reducing calf mortality and improved health.

So by having an early warning system in place, you can get on knowing you’ll be right there at the time of birth to minimise complications.