What is paresis in a cow
Paresis in a cow after calving is a frequent occurrence. Representatives of cattle acquire this pathology for several reasons. The main one is metabolic disorders. Postpartum paresis is characterized by a large number of acute symptoms. The appearance of such a pathology requires urgent intervention from the owner of the animal, as well as veterinarians. If this is not done, the disease will knock down the calving cow, it may even take her life.
Paresis in a cow after calving
Why is the problem of postpartum paresis so relevant among livestock breeders
The development of pathology falls on the 5-8 year of the animal's life. This is caused by signs of active lactation. No less important in the appearance of the disease and the duration of the stall keeping.
The disease itself is referred to as neurological. It is caused by damage to the nerve endings of the udder, which are responsible for motor function. The damage done to this vital system completely paralyzes the movement of the animal. Paralysis spreads to the limbs, digestive organs, and pharynx.
Udder paresis is one of the most pressing problems in farming worldwide. Up to 30% of female animals are susceptible to infection with this disease. A quarter of them die or require forced slaughter. These statistics point to huge losses for livestock breeders. In addition, those individuals who have been cured are destined to suffer from serious consequences - poor immunity and hypogalactia.
Causes of pathology
The exact cause of paresis in cows after calving is not known to veterinarians. There are only a number of factors that indicate the likelihood of developing such a disease. Experts associate the symptoms of the disease with metabolic disorders in the animal's body. A paresisized female often has signs of hypocalcemia. This pathological condition is characterized by a critical loss of calcium that occurs during lactation. That is, after calving, an important substance for the animal is disposed of from the body with breast milk, which the calves are fed with.
There is another possible cause of the onset of the disease. The disease occurs against the background of dysfunction of the thyroid gland of the cow during childbirth. With such a problem, the amount of calcium and magnesium in the blood of the animal increases dramatically. This condition adversely affects the state of nerve cells, which is expressed in the form of paresis.
Paresis in a cow has another theory of occurrence. According to the results of the observations of specialists, if the female has signs of intensive production of insulin, the probability of paresis is 56%. In addition, ordinary hypothermia or prolonged stagnation in the stall can provoke this terrible pathology. The active activity of the pancreas leads to its accumulation.If insulin reaches a critical level in the cow, she may enter a hypoglycemic coma. This condition is characterized by:
- loss of consciousness;
- lack of coordination;
- paralysis of the limbs;
- numbness of the organs of the oral cavity;
- a critical decrease in blood pressure.
Poor blood vessel health and low blood pressure make it difficult for blood to flow to the brain. This leads to anemia, which creates all the conditions for paresis in cows after calving.
Signs of paresis
The appearance of paresis in cows can occur 12-48 hours after calving. Often, pathology manifests itself on the fourth day. Primary symptoms can be identified immediately after labor. If the cow's blood pressure does not return to normal for the first time after the end of labor, this becomes a cause for concern. A healthy animal organism recovers quickly, within 15-20 minutes.
If you suspect postpartum paresis, veterinarians are advised to pay attention to other possible symptoms:
- unhealthy appearance;
- refusal of food;
- worried look;
- decrease in body temperature;
- rapid, heavy breathing.
All these symptoms make it possible to identify postpartum paresis in cows in a timely manner, at the initial stage of the development of the disease. If this is not done in time, the pathology becomes acute and the following signs appear:
- trembling of the limbs and their weakness;
- lack of coordination;
- dilated pupils;
- loss of consciousness;
- coma.
There are other signs of udder paresis that are hidden from human eyes (occur in the internal organs). Postpartum paresis is characterized by stopping the digestion process, blockage of feces in the intestine (feces harden and are not excreted), similar symptoms are observed with the state of the bladder: paralysis of motor activity does not create conditions for spontaneous urination.
Addressed to farmers
The similarity of udder paresis with other diseases can confuse the correct diagnosis. Some farmers confuse postpartum syndrome at the initial stage with acetonemia, which also has signs of weakness in the limbs. Self-help can only harm the animal, so it is better to entrust the treatment to professionals.
Most often, the confusion with the diagnosis arises not because of acetonemia, but because of the fetal stagnation. This condition has similar symptoms with udder paresis. The cow also has difficulty breathing, has weakness in the limbs and refuses to eat. Even the most important symptom of pathology coincides - low blood pressure. It will be difficult for the farmer to independently determine the pathology without the help of veterinarians, so calling professionals will be appropriate for any symptoms similar to udder paresis.
The importance of timely diagnosis
Farmers, who have at least once faced paresis in a cow, know about the need to timely contact specialists for help, because after 10-12 hours of inactivity, the animal can die. The acute nature of the signs of pathology instantly affects the reflexes of the cow, makes her breathing heavy and cramping the body.
Timely help from the veterinarian quickly brings the cow back to life: her blood pressure is normalized, and her body reacts to touch. For several hours, the animal may try to stand up and defecate. His appetite will also be restored, after which he can be fed.
Features of paresis treatment
Treatment for paresis is most effective in the first few hours after signs of illness appear. It is carried out on the territory of the farm by a veterinarian. First, a 10% solution of calcium chloride with glucose is injected, then other injections are administered and therapeutic procedures are performed. A sick cow should:
- Inject 10% caffeine-sodium benzoate solution.
- Inject a 25% solution of magnesium and vitamin D2.
- Blow air into the udder. This procedure helps to stop blood circulation.
Treatment of paresis is carried out only with the use of drugs in the form of injections. This is due to the difficult use of drugs for oral use. The animal's pharynx is paralyzed and cannot take medications. The dosage of drugs is determined by a specialist.
Blowing air into the udder allows the cow to recover from active milk production. After such a procedure, it will be easier to treat the animal.
The next steps should be aimed at heating the cow. Cover her body with warm blankets or wipe her with hay.
Sometimes the cow cannot empty the intestines and bladder on its own, so it must be done artificially. The veterinarian should insert an enema into the cow's rectum and empty the bladder with a catheter.
Folk remedies and other methods of treating paresis
Veterinarians do not advise treating paresis with folk remedies. Pathology requires serious emergency measures that can save the life of the animal, and any non-traditional methods of treatment can only partially affect the disappearance of certain signs, but not reduce the risk of a threat to life. So, many livestock breeders with paresis in a cow inject someone else's milk into the udder. This procedure is an alternative to breathing air. This action is performed using a smooth milk supply system built from a syringe and a tube. This allows the injected fluid to flow into the udder, gradually covering all problem areas. The amount of milk required may vary. It depends on the physiological characteristics of the cow itself.
Hormonal agents are also often used to treat paresis in a cow. “Dihydrotachysterol” in the form of intramuscular injection has a beneficial effect on her well-being. It increases the level of calcium in the animal's body, which speeds up the healing process. Within 30-40 minutes after the injection, the cow can react to human touch, and as soon as she is on her feet, the farmer should milk her. This procedure also saves the animal from mastitis.
A cow can only drink water after 12 hours. They give it water starting from 1 liter per hour, gradually increasing the volume by 1.5 liters.
Features of prevention
Birth paresis is treated hard and for a long time. Only a qualified specialist who observes the cow until the threat to life is minimal can help to cope with it. This can take up to 16 hours. In addition, full recovery will take several weeks. You can avoid all this by using preventive methods of paresis.
Prevention of paresis consists of several rules that allow you to preserve the health of the animal.
The first thing to do is to provide the cow with a nutritious, balanced diet. The diet needs to be fortified as much as possible. The drug necessary for their immunity can be bought at specialized veterinary pharmacies.
Paresis prevention also consists of:
- Regular analysis of the cow's blood. The study will help control the level of nutrients in the body and timely notice their deficiency.
- Careful care of the cow and regular cleaning of the place where she is kept.
- Daily outdoor walks of livestock.
- Changes to the cow's diet 7-10 days before delivery.
- To restore the water-salt balance, for which the cow is given a saline solution instead of water for some time after giving birth.
According to the observations of farmers and veterinarians, cows that had paresis before, in 70% of cases suffer from it after subsequent calving, so the farmer should be ready for emergency actions to save the life of the animal. Medications, blankets, and other supplies can be prepared in advance to help relieve the cow's symptoms.