What is paresis in a cow

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Paresis in a cow after calving is a common occurrence. Representatives of cattle acquire such a pathology for several reasons. The main one is metabolic disorder. Postpartum paresis is characterized by a large number of symptoms that occur in acute form. 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 overturn the cow and may even take her life.

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  1. Why is the problem of postpartum paresis so urgent among livestock breeders?
  2. Causes of pathology
  3. Signs of paresis
  4. Addressed to farmers
  5. The importance of timely diagnosis
  6. Features of the treatment of paresis
  7. Folk remedies and other treatments for paresis
  8. Features of prevention

Paresis in a cow after calving

Paresis in the cow after calving

Why pr the problem of postpartum paresis is so relevant among livestock breeders

The development of pathology occurs in 5-8 years of the animal’s life. This is caused by signs of active lactation. No less important in the onset of the disease is the duration of the stall.

The disease itself is classified 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 movements of the animal. Paralysis extends to the extremities, digestive organs, and pharynx.

Paresis of the udder is one of the most acute farming problems worldwide. Up to 30% of female animals are infected with this disease. A quarter of them die or require forced slaughter.Such statistics indicate huge losses to livestock breeders. In addition, those individuals who were able to be cured are destined to suffer serious consequences – poor immunity and hypogalactia.

Causes of pathology

The exact cause of paresis in cows after calving not known to veterinarians. There are only a number of factors indicating the likelihood of developing such a disease. Experts associate the symptoms of the disease with metabolic disorders in the body of the animal. A paresis 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 utilized from the body with breast milk, which feeds the calves.

There is another possible reason for the onset of the disease. The disease occurs against a background of dysfunction of the thyroid gland of a cow during childbirth. With such a problem, the animal sharply increases the amount of calcium and magnesium in the blood. This condition adversely affects the state of nerve cells, which is expressed as paresis.

У пареза у коровы есть другая теория возникновения. По наблюдениям специалистов, если у женщины наблюдаются признаки интенсивной выработки инсулина, вероятность возникновения пареза составляет 56%. Кроме того, обычная гипотермия или длительный застой в стойле могут спровоцировать эту страшную патологию. Активная деятельность поджелудочной железы приводит к ее накоплению. Если инсулин достигает критического уровня в теле коровы, он может впасть в гипогликемическую кому. Это состояние характеризуется:

  • потеря сознания;
  • нарушение координации;
  • паралич конечностей;
  • онемение органов полости рта;
  • критическое снижение артериального давления.

Плохое состояние кровеносных сосудов и низкое давление затрудняют попадание крови в мозг. Это приводит к анемии, которая создает все условия для пареза у коров после отела.

Признаки пареза

Cows may develop paresis 12–48 hours after calving. Often, pathology manifests itself on the fourth day. Primary symptoms can be determined immediately after labor. If the cow first time after the end of labor does not return to normal blood pressure, this becomes a cause for concern. A healthy animal body recovers quickly, within 15-20 minutes.

If you suspect postpartum paresis, veterinarians advise you to pay attention to other possible symptoms:

  • unhealthy appearance;
  • refusal of food;
  • anxious look;
  • decrease in body temperature;
  • rapid panting.

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 there are such signs:

  • trembling of the extremities and their weakness;
  • impaired coordination;
  • pupil expansion ;
  • loss of consciousness;
  • coma.

There are other signs of paresis of the udder, which are hidden from human eyes (leak in the internal organs). Postpartum paresis is characterized by a halt in the digestion process, obstruction of feces in the intestines (feces harden and are not excreted), similar signs 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 paresis of the udder to other diseases can confuse the correct diagnosis. At the initial stage of postpartum syndrome, some farmers confuse acetonemia, which also has signs of limb weakness. Self-help can only harm the animal, therefore it is better to entrust the treatment to professionals.

Most often, confusion with the diagnosis arises not because of acetonemia, but because the fetus is lying down. This condition has similar symptoms with paresis of the udder. The cow also has difficulty breathing, has weakness in the limbs, and refuses to eat. Even the most important sign of pathology coincides – low blood pressure.It will be difficult for the farmer to determine the pathology without the help of veterinarians, so calling professionals will be appropriate for any symptoms similar to paresis.

The importance of timely diagnosis

Farmers who have at least once encountered with paresis in a cow, they are aware of the need for timely contacting specialists for help, because after 10-12 hours of inactivity the animal can die. The acute nature of the signs of pathology immediately affects the reflexes of the cow, makes it difficult to breathe and cramps the body.

Timely help from the veterinarian quickly returns the cow to life: its blood pressure normalizes, and the body reacts to touch. For several hours, the animal may try to stand on its feet and defecate. His appetite will also be restored, after which it can be fed.

Features of the treatment of paresis

Treatment of paresis most effectively affects the state of the cow in the first few hours after the onset of signs of the disease. It is carried out on the farm by a veterinarian. First, an injection of a 10% solution of calcium chloride with glucose is made, then other injections are administered and therapeutic procedures are carried out. Sick cow should:

  • Inject 10% solution of caffeine-sodium benzoate.
  • Inject 25% solution of magnesia 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 funds for oral use. The animal’s throat is paralyzed and cannot take medication. The dosage of drugs is determined by a specialist.

Blowing air into the udder allows the cow to recover from the active production of milk. After this procedure, it will be easier to treat the animal.

The following actions should be aimed at heating the cow. It should be covered with warm blankets or wiped with hay.

Sometimes a cow cannot empty its intestines and bladder on its own, so you need to do this artificially. The veterinarian must inject an enema into the rectum of the cow and empty the bladder with a catheter.

Folk remedies and other treatments for paresis

Veterinarians do not recommend treating paresis with folk remedies. Pathology requires serious emergency measures that can save the animal’s life, and any non-traditional methods of treatment can only partially affect the disappearance of certain signs, but not reduce the risk of a life threat. So, many cattle breeders with paresis in a cow introduce foreign milk into the udder. This procedure is an alternative to breathing air. This action is performed using a smooth milk feed system constructed from a syringe and tube.This allows the injected fluid to enter the udder, gradually covering all problem areas. The amount of milk needed may vary. It depends on the physiological characteristics of the cow itself.

Unsuccessful calving Paresis Paralysis of the hind legs How to treat
The cow does not get up after giving birth. TREATMENT
Postpartum paresis.

No less often are hormonal agents used to treat paresis in a cow. Favorably affects her health “dihydrotachysterol” in the form of an intramuscular injection.It increases the level of calcium in the body of the animal, which accelerates the healing process. Within 30-40 minutes after the injection, the cow can react to human touch, and as soon as she gets on her feet, the farmer should milk it. A similar procedure also saves the animal from mastitis.

You can drink water to the cow only after 12 hours. They give her 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 monitors the cow can help cope with it until the threat to life is minimal. This can take up to 16 hours. In addition, a full recovery will take several weeks. You can avoid all this by using the preventive methods of paresis.

Prevention of paresis consists of several rules that help preserve the health of the animal.

The first thing to do is to organize the cow is well-balanced nutrition. The diet needs to be fortified as much as possible. The drug necessary for their immunity can be bought at specialized veterinary pharmacies.

Prevention of paresis also consists of:

  • Regular analysis of the blood of a cow. The study will help control the level of nutrients in the body and timely notice their lack.
  • Careful care of the cow and regular cleaning of the place where it is kept.
  • Daily cattle walking in the fresh air.
  • Changes in the diet of the cow 7-10 days before birth.
  • Restore the water-salt balance, for which the cow is given saline instead of water for some time after birth.

According to observations of farmers and veterinarians, cows with Before, there was paresis, in 70% of cases they suffer from it after subsequent calving, so the farmer should be prepared for emergency actions to save his life a lot. You can prepare medications, blankets, and other products in advance to help relieve symptoms of the cow.

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Anna Evans

Author ✓ Farmer

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