Cow looking a bit stiff

[Saffy]

Hello Di

If your cow has had more than 3 calves, or possibly even if this is her 3rd - it depends on her age, I think your cow is going to go down with Milk Fever - Calcium Deficiency and if she doesn't recieve treatment she probably won't manage to calve when she is ready because she will probably be too drowsy. They can get it before calving, in which case it is a worse problem.

Here is something below that I have copied from an article - you may want to ask a veterinary opinion quite soon and get her treated.

Stage One
In this stage there is a short period where the cow will act excitedly with stiffening of the muscles and trembling. The cow is usually reluctant to move or eat and later, the hind legs become stiff and the cow staggers. These signs only last for a brief time and often go unnoticed.

Stage Two
Secondly, the cow lies down and cannot get up - this stage is called sternal recumbency. She can sit up and often has a ‘kink’ in her neck, or has her head folded along her flank. She is dull and cold to touch, her body temperature is often lower than normal and her eyes are dry and staring. Breathing becomes heavier and the heartbeat gets faster.

Stage Three
Finally, the cow lies on its side with her legs stretched out (lateral recumbency) and is almost unconscious. Bloat often develops and regurgitation of the rumen contents is likely. If left untreated, at this stage most animals die.

The stages are gradual but I would speak to a vet asap and explain the symptoms in detail - ideally check the cow again first in case things have changed and you can give your vet more information to go on. If it is Milk Fever the sooner she is treated the less impact it will have on the cow and her ability to suckle her calf.

Stephanie



Edited By Saffy on 1279793766

[Saffy]

Glad to hear she is OK Di.

Stephanie

[Broomcroft]

Never experienced milk fever but when they are getting near to calving, some can start to walk a bit stiff in the back legs, a bit like John Wayne, and that this is fairly common in my herd. Some do it, some don't. That's assuming you are just talking about just slightly stiff back legs and nothing worse.

[Saffy]

Hello Di,

Wondered how the cow was looking?

Stephanie

[Saffy]

Great news.

Stephanie