Lecture 17: Animal Diseases

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Dr. Nireeksha Jain

3. ETIOLOGY,
EPIDEMIOLOGY,
SYMPTOMS,
DIAGNOSIS,
TREATMENT OF
PRODUCTION DISEASES
OF CATTLE, HORSE,
PIG, POULTRY
17
3
LECTURE
TOPICS

4. SUB- TOPICS
1) HYPOMAGNESAEMIC TETANY/
LACTATION TETANY
2) DOWNER COW SYNDROME
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17
LECTURE

5. HYPOMAGNESAEMIC TETANY /
GRASS STAGGERS/ Mg-deficiency
It is a metabolic disease of Cattle, horse, buffalo characterised by
hyperaesthesia, incoordination, tetany, convulsions as a result of
disturbed magnesium homeostasis.
ETIOLOGY
A deficiency of magnesium in the blood stream is the principal
cause of hypomagnesaemic tetany. The normal magnesium
level is 2.3 mg/dl of blood. There is no fruitful mechanism for
maintaining magnesium homeostasis.

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CLINICAL SIGNS
A) Acute Tetany
• Sudden caesation to graze.
• Twitching of the muscles and ears.
• Staggering gait.
• Nystagmus.
• Frothing at the mouth.
• Death occurs within half to one hour.
• Unusual alertness.
• Severe hyperaesthesia.
• Bellowing.
• Opisthotonus.
• Champing of the jaws.
• Temperature 104-105°F.
• Heart sound increased may be heard from distance.

8. B) SUB- ACUTE TETANY
• Onset is gradual.
• Wildness of the facial expression.
• Slight inappetance.
• Vigorous limb movements.
• Head throwing.
• Spasmodic urination and frequent defecation.
• Muscle tremor and mild tetany of hind limbs.
C) Chronic Tetany. May not show clinical signs though serum Mg
level is low. Vague syndrome like dullness, un-thriftiness, indifferent
appetite.

9. DIAGNOSIS
Incoordination, hyperaesthesia and tetany may be confused
with the following:
▪ Acute lead poisoning: Blindness, history of lead access.
▪ Rabies: Straining, ascending paralysis, anaesthesia and
absence of tetany.
▪ Nervous form of ketosis: Ketonuria; absence of tetany.
Nitrate Poisoning: Absence of hyperaesthesia and
convulsions. Coffee coloured urine.

10. TREATMENT
• Satisfactory treatment is to administer solution containing
both "Ca' and 'Mg' salts. A combined Ca-Mg preparation I/v
followed by S/c injection of a solution of Magnesium salt.
• Mifex @ 1 bottle or ½ bottle I/v.
• The magnesium can be administered as enema.
• A preparation containing 100 gm magnesium oxide along
with 50 gm of calcium carbonate.

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CONTROL
-Feeding of magnesium supplement.
-Magnesium should be supplemented on daily basis in
magnesium deficient pastures. This may be achieved by-
• Adding magnesium salt in water
• Adding magnesium salt in the feeds or concentrates
• Spraying magnesium rich fertilizer as top dressing on
pasture.

12. CONTROL
• Addition of 3% magnesium oxide in the grain.
• Addition of magnesium oxide @ 60 gm per cow along with water
and molasses.
• Addition of 5 -10 kg/200 litre of magnesium sulphate to drinking
water.
• Provision of molasses lick containing other minerals along with
magnesium.
• Use of magnesium releasing intra- ruminal bolus.
• Protein supplementation as a carrier for magnesium oxide @ 6%
per head per day.

13. DOWNER COW SYNDROME
This condition is also ascribed as "Post parturient recumbency". This is
frequently met in exotic and cross bred dairy cows. Holstein breed is
most susceptible. Affected animals remain bright and alert but are
unable to stand. This has also been considered as a special form
parturient paresis.

14. ETIOLOGY
The etiology of this disease is not distinct.
Following factors have been identified as possible causes of
downer cow syndrome :-
• Persistant hypocalcaemia.
• Resistant hypophosphaetemia
• Hypokalaemia
• Hypomagnesemia
• Muscular injury
• Nerve injuries
• Hepatosis

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16. CLINICAL SIGNS
1. Most striking and common clinical finding of downer cow is
inability to rise. The cow remains in recumbent position.
2. Cow remains bright and alert.
3. Appetite, rumination, defecation and urination are usually
normal.
4. Temperature is usually normal but may turn towards sub-
normal range in the terminal stage of the disease.
5. The affected cow usually crawl around utilizing the forelimbs
whereas hind limbs remain in flexed position. This type of
stance is ascribed as "creeper cow".
6. Some non-alert downer remains anoretic, dull and in
comatose.

17. DIAGNOSIS
Muscular injury- It is difficult to assess as swellings of
thigh muscles as it is not easy to palpate. Extreme
forward stretched position of leg is indicative.
Nerve injury- Nerve and muscles injury may occur
simultaneously. After lifting the cow in her feet it may be
possible to locate the nerve injury of the affected limb.
Myocardosis- It may not be possible to diagnose
myocardosis clinically. This may be clinically manifested
as tachythmia and jugular pulsation.

18. TREATMENT /
PTRVENTION
A. Management- Attempt should be made to lift the cow on its fore legs. Slings
may he used for this purpose. Arrangement of soft bed should be made.
When it is not possible to lift the cow frequent turning should be made. Cow
should be turned at least at 3 hours interval.
B. Therapy- There is no specific treatment for this syndrome.Re-placement
therapy with calcium boro-gluconate is a must. Calcium, phosphorus,
magnesium, glucose containing preparations can be used parenterally.
Calcium preparation should be given with caution through intravenous route.
Drugs like Vitamin E, selenium, potassium, vitamin D, Corticosteroids
are recommended.

19. PREVENTION
 The cow should be bred with a bull as per its size to avoid
Dystocia problem.
 Cow should not be made over fatty through too much feeding
during advanced pregnancy.
 Periodical turning should be made in recumbent cow.
 Parenteral vitamin D, should be given in milk fever prone cow
during pregnant period.
 Low calcium and high phosphorus diet should be given to
stimulate parathyroid gland and thus to avoid hypocalcaemia.
 Recumbent cow following parturition should be given with
intravenous calcium preparation.

20. THANKS!
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