Milk Fever in Cows: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Milk fever, also known as hypocalcemia, is a metabolic disorder that commonly affects dairy cows during the early postpartum period. It is caused by a sudden drop in blood calcium levels, which can result in muscle weakness, lethargy, and other complications if left untreated.

In this expert veterinary guide, we explore the various causes of milk fever, including an imbalance between calcium and phosphorus in the cow's diet, inadequate absorption of calcium due to digestive or metabolic disorders, and other factors that can affect the cow's calcium metabolism.

We also discuss the risk factors that can increase a cow's likelihood of developing milk fever, such as age, breed, parity, and other factors that can affect calcium metabolism in cows.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of milk fever is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. In this video, we highlight the most common clinical signs of milk fever, including a wobbly gait, weakness, inability to stand, reduced feed intake, and other symptoms.

As a veterinarian, I also provide an in-depth guide to the diagnosis and treatment of milk fever, including the administration of calcium supplements through intravenous or subcutaneous injections. I discuss the importance of monitoring the cow's blood calcium levels and provide tips on supportive care, such as providing a warm and comfortable environment for the cow and monitoring for other potential complications.

Prevention of milk fever is another critical aspect of cow management, and I provide practical tips on how to prevent milk fever in dairy cows, such as providing a balanced diet high in calcium and low in potassium, and supplementing with calcium and magnesium as needed.

Overall, this expert veterinary guide on milk fever in cows provides valuable insights for dairy farmers and animal healthcare professionals, and highlights the importance of proper cow management for ensuring the health and well-being of dairy cows.