Observations on non-parturient hypocalcaemia in cattle
Nurmio, P.; Roine, K.; Kokkola, P.
Nordisk Veterinaermedicin 26(9): 483-491
1974
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-1579 PMID: 4473073 Document Number: 81701
In 48 cows with hypocalcaemia between 10 days and 9 months post partum, there was no clinical sign of other disorder. Treatment was with calcium borogluconate, also Mg for cows with cramps. One died after blood sampling but before treatment; the others were cured. Average age was 7.7 plus or minus 2.3 (SE) years, the average time of onset was 2.7 plus or minus 2.4 months post partum. There was no seasonal incidence. Average rumen pH was 6.6. Cases fell into 3 main groups; somnolent, alert or with cramps. Average serum Ca was lower in somnolent or cramped than in alert cows. Serum Mg was lower with cramps than in the other 2 groups. Average serum Ca, P, Mg and aspartate-aminotransferase concentrations did not differ significantly between standing and lying cases. Cows with alkaline rumen contents had on average lower serum Ca than cows with acid rumen contents. Cows with parturient paresis, studied for comparison, had significantly lower serum Ca and P and higher Mg. The results and comparison are discussed at length.