Common Diseases

of Dairy Cattle
Calving Disorders

Early Lactation Pitfalls

Everyday Problems
 Calving Disorders

Dystocia
Paralysis
Prolapsed Uterus
Retained Placenta
Metritis
Milk fever
 Calving Disorders
Dystocia
What
Difficulty with calving
When
No progress after calf in the birth canal
Why
Calf not presented properly
Large calf
Twins
Milk fever
 Calving Disorders
Dystocia
Diagnosis
Vaginal Exam
Must recognize proper presentations
Front- 2 front legs, head
Rear- 2 rear legs
Spine to spine
ALWAYS clean before examination
 Calving Disorders
Dystocia
Treatment
Assisted pulling
Correct problems in presentation
Consider veterinary help-especially if
something feels unusual
 Calving Disorders
Dystocia
Prevention
Breed heifers of proper size
Calving ease bulls
Frequent observation- better to check cow
and ask for unecessary help than have a
dead cow
Always check for second calf
 Calving Disorders
Calving Paralysis
What
Cow has nerve and muscle damage from
trauma of calving
When
After calf is pulled
Why
Calf not presented properly
Large calf
Calving too long a time periuod
 Calving Disorders
Calving Paralysis
Diagnosis
History of hard calving
Cow is usually alert, eating, drinking
Normal temperature
Be careful of more serious problems
Treatment
Tincture of time
Lifting
Anti-inflammatory agents
 Calving Disorders
Calving Paralysis
Prevention
Avoid dystocias
Know when to call veterinarian
Usually if hadnt made any progress in 30
minutes of assistance
 Calving Disorders
Prolapsed Uterus
What
Cow has pushed uterus outside body-
inside out
When
After calf is pulled out
Why
Dystocia
Large calf
Milk Fever
 Calving Disorders
Prolapsed Uterus
Diagnosis
Usually within hours after calving
Uterus laying on ground behind cow
Treatment
Call veterinarian immediately
Provide clean area, feedsacks, sheets to
help lift uterus
Antibacterials
 Calving Disorders
Prolapsed Uterus
Prevention
Avoid dystocias
Treat milk fevers promptly
 Calving Disorders
Retained Placenta
What
Cow has fetal membranes still attached to
uterus-partly outside the cow
When
After calving- at least 12 hours later
Why
Dystocia
Milk Fever
Twins
 Retained Fetal Membranes
What is Normal?

50 Citations in Literature from 1979

to 1995
Lactational Incidence Rates Ranged
from 1.3% to 39.2%
Median LIR was 8.6%

Kelton, et al., 1998. JDS 81:2502

 Calving Disorders
Retained Uterus
Diagnosis
Cow didnt clean
Wait 12 hours after calving
Treatment
Nothing - if metritis isnt present
Remove suspended membranes
Lutalyse- consult veterinarian
 Calving Disorders
Retained Placenta
Prevention
Avoid dystocias
Prevent milk fever
Well balanced dry cow rations
ECP- consult veterinarian
 Calving Disorders
Metritis
What
An infection of the uterus that has actually
invaded into tissue
When
Usually observed within 2 weeks after
calving
Why
Dystocia
Twins
 Metritis
What is Normal?
43 Citations in Literature from 1979
to 1995
Lactational Incidence Rate Ranged
from 2.2% to 37.3%
Median LIR was 10.1%

Kelton, et al., 1998. JDS 81:2502

 Calving Disorders
Metritis
Diagnosis
Vaginal discharge - foul smelling
Cow may have fever, off feed
Treatment
More severe cases require antibacterials
Lutalyse
Consult veterinarian for protocol
 Calving Disorders
Metritis
Prevention
Avoid dystocias
Prevent milk fever
Well balanced dry cow rations
Prevent retained placentas
PHYSICAL EXAMS of cows for 7 to 10
days after calving
 Calving Disorders
Milk Fever
What
Hypocalcemia- low calcium in blood
When
Usually observed within 2 days after
calving-can occur before calving
Why
Cows 3rd lactation or greater
Rapid synthesis of milk into udder, drains
calcium from blood
Serum Calcium Levels at
Parturition
10
9
Serum Ca (mg/dl)

8
7 Normal
6 Hypocalcemia
5 Milk Fever
4
3
2

Days from Parturition

Goff, 1999. DHM 36(11):29

 Milk Fever
What is Normal?
33 Citations in Literature from 1979
to 1995
Lactational Incidence Rates Ranged
from 0.03% to 22.3%
Median Lactational Incidence Rate was 6.5%

Kelton, et al., 1998. JDS 81:2502

 Calving Disorders
Milk Fever
Diagnosis
No fever- or low body temperature
Cow down- early may be staggering
Off feed, no manure
Glazed eyes, S bend in neck
Be careful of other problems
Treatment
Calcium IV, subcutaneous
Must be careful of overdosing
 Calving Disorders
Milk Fever
Prevention
Early detection while cow still standing
Well balanced ration, especially before
calving
 Common Diseases
of Dairy Cattle
Calving Disorders

Early Lactation Pitfalls

Everyday Problems
 Early Lactation Pitfalls
Displaced Abomasum
http://www.vetnext.com/search.php?s=aandoening&id=73288261228%20218
 Early Lactation Pitfalls
Displaced Abomasum
What
Abomasum in wrong place of abdomen-
DA
When
Usually within 60 days after calving-can
occur anytime
Why
Cows that go off feed
Any previous health problem
 LDA
What is Normal?
22 Citations in Literature from 1979
to 1995
Lactational Incidence Rate Ranged
from 0.3% to 6.3%
Median Lactational Incidence Rate was 1.7%

Kelton, et al., 1998. JDS 81:2502

 Early Lactation Pitfalls
Displaced Abomasum
Diagnosis
Ping heard on side of abdomen
Off feed
Ketosis
Treatment
Surgery
 Early Lactation Pitfalls
Displaced Abomasum
Prevention
Balanced ration with fiber
Balanced ration for transition cows
Prevent causes of cows going off-feed
 Early Lactation Pitfalls
Ketosis
What
Cow in low energy balance
Burns off fat so fast creates ketones in
blood
When
Usually within 30 days after calving
Why
Low body condition
Any other cause for going off-feed
 Ketosis
What is Normal?
36 Citations in Literature from 1979
to 1995
Lactational Incidence Rate Ranged
from 1.3% to 18.3%
Median LIR was 4.8%

Kelton, et al., 1998. JDS 81:2502

 Early Lactation Pitfalls
Ketosis
Diagnosis
Smell of acetone on breath
Keto-stick turns purple in urine
Off feed
Treatment
Dextrose IV
Propylene glycol drench
Glucocorticoids
Consult veterinarian for protocol
 Early Lactation Pitfalls
Ketosis
Prevention
Balanced ration for all stages of lactation
cycle- including dry cows
Maintain proper body condition for all
stages of lactation cycle
Prevent other diseases
 Early Lactation Pitfalls
Other Diseases
Rumen acidosis
Abomasal Ulcers
Fatty Liver

All require veterinary assistance in

diagnosis/prevention
 Common Diseases
of Dairy Cattle
Calving Disorders

Early Lactation Pitfalls

Everyday Problems
 Everday Problems
Mastitis
What
Infection of the udder
Most likely to treat clinical mastitis
Can be mild to severe
When
Usually lactating cows
Why
Poor milking technique
Unclean cow housing
 Clinical Mastitis
What is Normal?
62 Citations in Literature from 1979
to 1995
Lactational Incidence Rate Ranged
from 1.7% to 54.6%
Median LIR was 14.2%

Michigan study suggested 1-2 % of cows

each month is a good goal
Kelton, et al., 1998. JDS 81:2502
 Everyday Problems
Mastitis
Diagnosis
Abnormal milk
Swollen quarter
Cow may be off feed, fever
Off feed
Treatment
Consult veterinarian
Antibacterials
Supportive care
 Everyday Problems
Mastitis
Prevention
Important to keep records
Culture of milk samples
Proper milking technique
Maintain clean, dry, comfortable cows
 Everday Problems
Pneumonia
What
Infection of the respiratory tract-lungs
When
Anytime
Usually after new arrivals
Rapid weather changes
Why
Lack of immunity (vaccination)
Poor ventilation/housing
 Everyday Problems
Pneumonia
Diagnosis
Fever
Labored breathing/sounds
Depression
Off feed
Treatment
Consult veterinarian
Antibacterials
Supportive care
 Everyday Problems
Pneumonia
Prevention
Important to keep records
Vaccination program
Biosecurity program
Maintain well-ventilated, dry housing
 Everday Problems
Lameness
What
Infection or injury of feet or legs
When
Anytime
Why
Foot rot
Heel warts
Punctures
Rumen acidosis/laminitis founder
 Everyday Problems
Lameness
Diagnosis
Cow with limp
Standing / walking with humped back
Must examine foot
Treatment
Consult veterinarian-antibacterials
Foot trimming/bandages
 Everyday Problems
Lameness
Prevention
Regular foot trimming
Foot baths
Well designed stalls for cows
Well balanced rations
 Everday Problems
Enteritis
What
Infection of intestinal tract
Can be acute (winter dysentery) or
Chronic (Johnes)
When
Anytime
 Everday Problems
Enteritis
Why
Feed changes
Salmonella
Winter dysentery
Parasites (younger animals)
BVD
Johnes disease
 Everyday Problems
Enteritis
Diagnosis
Off feed
Diarrhea
Weight loss
Blood or fecal tests
Treatment
Consult veterinarian-
 Everyday Problems
Enteritis
Prevention
Vaccination (BVD)
Strict biosecurity
Sanitation
Clean feed handling
Separatiuon of calves from cows
Culling
Gradual feed changes
 Everday Problems
Hardware
What
Foreign object (metal) in digestive tract
When
Anytime
Why
Cows swallow nails, wire
Causes punctures in digestive tract
Liver abcesses
Heart damage
 Everyday Problems
Hardware
Diagnosis
Off feed
Often normal to dry manure
Arched back
Usually no fever
Diarrhea
Treatment
Consult veterinarian-antibacterials
Magnet
 Everyday Problems
Hardware
Prevention
Careful of needles, tools, wire, nails
around farm
Magnets to all heifers?
 Goals and Objectives of 100-Day
Fresh Period
Contract
Protect Fresh Cows from Pathogens
via Sanitation and Vaccination
Temp All Fresh Cows Daily for 10 Days
Post-Calving and Treat Appropriately
Use ECP Sterile Solution on Problem Cows to
Keep Uterus Sensitive to Oxytocin
Prevent Toxic Metritis
 Goals and Objectives of 100-Day
Fresh Period
Contract
Keep Cows on Feed Following Calving
Early Identification Problems
Day One if Possible
Develop Standard Operating Procedures
Return to Positive Energy Balance by 45
Days in Milk
 Components of
100-Day Contract
Fresh Period
Clean Calving Environment
Third Upjohn J-5 Bacterin within Two
Weeks of Calving
Body Condition Score at Calving
Daily Monitoring of Each Cow for First 10
Days after Calving
Administer Supportive Therapy as Needed
10 Day Postpartum Monitoring
Program
Involves evaluating each fresh cow every
day for 10 days.
Observe Attitude of Cow
Rectal temperature (>103.0F.)
Sick, Off feed
Ketosis
Displaced Abomasum
Physical exam for other diseases
 10 Day Postpartum Monitoring
Program
Practical approach to managing uterine
health with 2 major goals:
Maximize potential milk yield by keeping cows
on feed (pick up and diagnose problems
early!)
Aid future reproduction by stimulating rapid
uterine involution

Dr. Lynn Upham, Bovine Proceedings, September, 1996

 Fresh Cow
Monitoring System
Flow Chart
Fresh Cow

Normal "Abnormal"
1) 10 Day PP Monitoring 1) 10 Day PP Monitoring
2) ECP Sterile Solution, 2 cc. IM
3) LUTALYSE Sterile Solution,
1 ds. (14-28 days PP)

Fever Sick/"Off Normal Fever Sick/"Off Normal

Feed" Feed"
 Abnormal Fresh Cow
Assisted Calving - If chains/baling twine
are used or if vulva is entered.
Twins
Dead Calves
Milk Fever
Retained Placenta
 Fresh Cow
Program
Day One 10-Day Evaluation
Problem Cows Temperature and
ECP (4 mg once) Physical Exam

Normal Fever +/- Off-feed Off-feed; no fever

Antibiotic
ECP (4 mg - if not PREDEF 2X (20 mg once)
No treatment given day one) Supportive Rx
PREDEF 2X (20 mg once) as needed
Supportive Rx as needed

LUTALYSE LUTALYSE
Clean-Up Clean-Up
Day 14-21 Day 14-21
 Why ?
ECP (Estradiol cypionate) -- day one
Very low dose (4mg)
Effects last 5-7 days
Keeps uterus sensitive to oxytocin
Improved neutrophil function ?
 ECP (estradiol cypionate)
All abnormal cows receive 2 cc IM as soon as possible after
calving.
Purpose:
Increases uterine contractions; keeps the uterus sensitive to
oxytocin
Increases uterine blood supply
Activates neutrophils
When:
Early postpartum
May repeat in seven days
Do not use after 14 days
 Why?
Temperature monitoring
GLA thermometers
Early warning
More effective treatment
Improved Animal Welfare!
 Why?

Antibiotic Treatment
Broad-spectrum systemic
Fever of unknown origin
Treating metritis
 What Can We Give These
Cows Day One to Keep Them
From Becoming Toxic Metritis
Day 5-10 ?

Calcium ?
Oxytocin ?
Estrogens ?
Antibiotics ?
 Parasite Control
Parasite
Is an organism that makes its living at
the expense of another
 Parasite Control

Ectoparasites
Flies, lice, ticks
Endoparasites
Nematodes (worms)
Protozoans (coccidia, cryptosporidia)
 Parasite Control

Ectoparasites (Flies, lice, ticks)

Can cause loss of production
More important as carriers (vectors) of
disease
Pink eye, Lyme disease, blue tongue,
anaplasmosis
Control by topical insectisides
Eprinex, Ivomec (not for lactating cows)
 Parasite Control

Endoparasites- Nematodes
Most critical for younger animals
Have to be ingested from pasture
Most infective during warm, wet
weather
Can cause weight loss
Control by deworming at strategic times
of year- summer, fall
 Parasite Control

Endoparasites- Protozoans
Most critical for younger animals
Have to be ingested from contaminated
feed, feeders, bedding
Can cause weight loss-severe diarrhea
Control by cleaning feeding equipment
Coccidiostats in feed , e.g. ionophores for
heifers > 3 mos of age