Childbirth is a complex physiological process that causes restructuring and renewal of all internal organs and systems of the animal. It experiences severe stress, and the body takes a long time to recover. Sometimes a cow does not get to her feet after calving, without broken legs or other obvious impairments. This is the most serious problem that requires urgent veterinary attention.
Causes of disorders
The cow most often does not get up due to paralysis of the limbs, which occurs after calving.The reasons for this are varied and depend on many factors. Moreover, this happens both to a young cow and to an experienced one who has given birth many times. Typically this disorder occurs when the fetus is large. In this case, childbirth can be protracted and difficult; the nerve endings of the mother’s hind limbs are damaged, which causes their paralysis. This is typical for young, primiparous animals, as well as cows with narrow pelvic bones, which diverge unevenly during birth.
You should be especially careful if, during pregnancy or in previous births, injuries occurred in the hip area: dislocations or fractures.
Other possible causes of the disorder:
- there is an inflammatory process in the joints;
- weakened immunity: the body lacks calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamins E, A, D;
- the pregnant cow's nutrition was unbalanced;
- there are diseases such as hypophosphatemia, nutritional osteodystrophy;
- conditions for keeping animals do not meet standards, there is overcrowding;
- did not get enough physical activity during pregnancy.
Paralysis is possible due to inflammation or damage to the tissue of the uterus. Any movement in this case brings acute pain to the animal, and it is afraid to move. First of all, when paralysis of the limbs is detected, it is recommended to pay attention to the pelvic area of the animal. A young primiparous cow is not always ready to give birth, so you should immediately contact a veterinarian.
Consequences for the animal
A cow that has fallen after calving must be raised, otherwise the situation may become more complicated and reach a dangerous point: from permanent paralysis to the death of the animal. Of course, this is not a mandatory outcome; the result usually depends on the cause of the fall.Even if it is not possible to lift the cow by any means, it is worth choosing an anatomically correct position for her with the help of a veterinarian. This will help avoid the dangerous consequences of the disease. Childbirth is a painful process for a cow. Due to strong efforts, blood circulation in the sacral region becomes uneven, which damages this entire area.
As a result, the blood can completely freeze, and this is often discovered at autopsy, when the owner decides to slaughter the cow. An unslaughtered animal remains motionless and dies within a year.
If a fracture or dislocation of the femur is detected, the intervention of a veterinarian is required, since incorrect actions always end in the death of the cow. For example, bone fragments often impinge on the femoral artery, leading to death. If there is even barely perceptible trembling and increased temperature in the muscles of the hind legs, you should urgently call a veterinarian. If post-calving fever is not dealt with in time, the animal will be very difficult to save.
You should also sound the alarm if your cow:
- the mouth is slightly open, the tongue is protruding, salivation is increased;
- the pupils are dilated, the eyelids are half open;
- wheezing and uneven breathing are observed;
- there is no reaction to injections with sharp objects;
- no urination or defecation for a long time;
- the head is thrown back, and the animal does not want to change its position;
- body temperature below 35 O.
What to do if a cow does not rise to her feet after calving
First, it is important to identify the cause of paralysis. With the help of a veterinarian, a professional will establish the correct diagnosis and choose a treatment regimen. Before the specialist arrives, the animal’s body is rubbed with dry hay and wrapped in something, as heat promotes muscle dynamics.The animal usually lies on its side; it needs to be turned over to the other side from time to time to avoid bedsores.
Mechanical impact
Often paralysis after childbirth is caused by postpartum shock. In this case, you can help the cow in different ways, but first the calf is sent to another pen, otherwise the mother may crush it.
Some methods seem cruel, but they are effective:
- Scare. It is recommended to make an unexpected, loud enough sound so that the fright brings the animal out of shock.
- Hold the breath. If you limit the supply of oxygen to the body for 10-30 seconds, it is quite possible that the cow will awaken from shock. To do this, you need to close your nostrils with your hand and close your jaws.
- Twist or pull up the tail.
- Apply an electric prod.
Attempts will have to be combined and repeated several times with short breaks so that the animal can rest and gain strength.
Medications
Some medications are given to an animal with postpartum paralysis of the hind limbs in any situation. If a cow falls due to a nervous disorder, gynecological pathologies or diseases of bones and joints, the following is prescribed:
- agents with anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous effects;
- preparations containing selenium, calcium, phosphorus, vitamins E, A, C;
- for paresis - subcutaneous injections of caffeine, Vitam, benzoate;
- to normalize the general condition of the animal - strengthening drugs;
- droppers, calcium chloride (10%), glucose (40%);
- for hypophosphatemia - injections of urzolit (per 500 kg of weight 500 mg), calcium hypophosphate.
Some veterinarians inject air into the udder until the udder lobe tenses, and then bandage the teats. The animal remains in this position for 15 to 30 minutes. The procedure helps in some cases, but not every veterinarian approves of it.
Nutrition during illness
During the period of recovery and observation by a veterinarian, you should pay special attention to the feeding diet, carefully select food and supplements containing:
- calcium and phosphorus salts;
- glucose;
- fish oil;
- vitamins
The main feed should be grain, peas, high-quality hay, chopped grass, barley, and other grains. Any food should be served to the cow chopped. Some farmers mix feed with sweet water to improve absorption.
Tips for caring for a calving cow
To save livestock from health problems, and the farmer from material losses, you should take into account the rules that are recommended for both beginners and experts in livestock farming:
- Always control your diet. Often, poor nutrition is the root of most problems in animals.
- Observe general safety precautions when interacting with animals.
- Provide good care and acceptable living conditions for the cow.
- Carefully monitor the entire pregnancy, calving and postpartum process.
- Do not self-medicate. This can end disastrously, as practice shows.
Despite the fact that a cow is considered a strong and independent animal, it still needs human help. Especially acute after calving. The breeder should immediately sound the alarm and call professionals if the cow does not get up in the first days after giving birth. You need to follow the advice of experienced colleagues, and take independent action only as a last resort.
