Post by organizinlady on Aug 13, 2010 13:50:38 GMT -5
Via 'sthompson's thread:
V SC 497B Pathology of Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases
Dr. Robert J. Van Saun
E. Alert Downer Cows, Creeper Cows
A number of milk fever cases will not adequately respond to appropriate calcium therapy resulting in the "downer cow" syndrome. One first needs to complete a full physical examination to rule-out many of the common musculoskeletal and infectious disease problems that may contribute to this syndrome. There are a number of other metabolic problems that may contribute to this including hypomagnesemia, hypkalemia and hypophosphatemia. Metabolic downer cows generally present as "alert creeping" cows. This means they have a bright and alert disposition, will still eat, but do not have enough strength to rise and become standing. If this situation is not corrected, severe muscle damage will result from "compartmental syndrome" compromising vascular flow from muscles.
IV. Treatment
A. Intravenous phosphorus infusions
Many of the standard calcium gluconate/borogluconate solutions will also contain some phosphorus. However, in many cases this will not be sufficient to correct these severe hypophosphatemic cases. A number of commercial phosphorus injectable products are available; however, only those which have phosphorus sources from phosphoric acid are biologically available. Hypophosphite salt sources are not available. Monosodium phosphate can be dissolved in sterile water and administered intravenously (30 g per 300 ml water).
B. Oral phosphorus supplementation
Again, hypophosphite salts are not available biologically. Bone meal and calcium phosphate products are not soluble enough to significantly be absorbed. Monosodium phosphate can be given as a drench (0.5 kg in warm water) for oral supplementation. Oral supplementation of phosphorus seems to be the most rewarding therapy.
C. Vitamin D injections
Given the regulatory relationship to phosphorus, vitamin D injections may increase intestinal phosphorus uptake, if they were marginal or deficient. This may be an important issue here in the Northwest during the winter months.
V SC 497B Pathology of Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases
Dr. Robert J. Van Saun
E. Alert Downer Cows, Creeper Cows
A number of milk fever cases will not adequately respond to appropriate calcium therapy resulting in the "downer cow" syndrome. One first needs to complete a full physical examination to rule-out many of the common musculoskeletal and infectious disease problems that may contribute to this syndrome. There are a number of other metabolic problems that may contribute to this including hypomagnesemia, hypkalemia and hypophosphatemia. Metabolic downer cows generally present as "alert creeping" cows. This means they have a bright and alert disposition, will still eat, but do not have enough strength to rise and become standing. If this situation is not corrected, severe muscle damage will result from "compartmental syndrome" compromising vascular flow from muscles.
IV. Treatment
A. Intravenous phosphorus infusions
Many of the standard calcium gluconate/borogluconate solutions will also contain some phosphorus. However, in many cases this will not be sufficient to correct these severe hypophosphatemic cases. A number of commercial phosphorus injectable products are available; however, only those which have phosphorus sources from phosphoric acid are biologically available. Hypophosphite salt sources are not available. Monosodium phosphate can be dissolved in sterile water and administered intravenously (30 g per 300 ml water).
B. Oral phosphorus supplementation
Again, hypophosphite salts are not available biologically. Bone meal and calcium phosphate products are not soluble enough to significantly be absorbed. Monosodium phosphate can be given as a drench (0.5 kg in warm water) for oral supplementation. Oral supplementation of phosphorus seems to be the most rewarding therapy.
C. Vitamin D injections
Given the regulatory relationship to phosphorus, vitamin D injections may increase intestinal phosphorus uptake, if they were marginal or deficient. This may be an important issue here in the Northwest during the winter months.