Aishwarya Dairy Farm

28/08/2026

🐄🦴 BOVINE HUMERUS SPONTANEOUS FRACTURES — WHEN A COW'S BONE BREAKS WITHOUT A MAJOR ACCIDENT

🚨 A farmer sees a cow suddenly become severely lame. There was no major fall, no vehicle accident, and no obvious trauma. What happened?

One possibility that should never be overlooked is a spontaneous or pathological fracture of the humerus.
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The humerus is the major long bone of the upper forelimb, extending from the shoulder region toward the elbow. Because it is surrounded by thick muscles, a humeral fracture may occur without an obvious external deformity.

The frightening part?

👉 A seemingly harmless movement such as standing up, turning, slipping, fighting, or jumping may provide the final force that breaks an already weakened bone.

🦴 WHAT IS A SPONTANEOUS HUMERAL FRACTURE?

A spontaneous fracture is a fracture that occurs with little or no significant external trauma.

However, "spontaneous" does NOT necessarily mean the bone was completely normal.

Often, there is an underlying process that has reduced bone strength.

The sequence can be:

🧬 Underlying bone weakness
⬇️
🦴 Reduced bone density/strength
⬇️
🔬 Microscopic bone damage
⬇️
⚠️ Continued mechanical stress
⬇️
💥 Fracture

Therefore, the fracture may be the final event of a much longer problem.

🔬 PATHOGENESIS — HOW DOES IT HAPPEN?

Normally, bone is continuously being built, broken down and remodeled.

Healthy bone can tolerate normal weight-bearing and mechanical stress.

But when bone formation and mineralization cannot keep up with bone loss or mechanical loading, the skeleton becomes weaker.

1️⃣ METABOLIC/NUTRITIONAL BONE WEAKNESS

Poor nutrition or mineral imbalance can contribute to inadequate bone development or mineralization.

Potential factors include:

🧂 Calcium deficiency
🧂 Phosphorus deficiency or imbalance
☀️ Vitamin D deficiency
🌱 Poor-quality or inadequate feed
🐄 Severe malnutrition
⚖️ Incorrect mineral balance

The result can be:

Poorly mineralized or reduced bone mass → weaker bone → increased fracture risk.

⚠️ However, not every spontaneous fracture is caused by calcium deficiency. The underlying cause must be investigated.

2️⃣ OSTEOPENIA / OSTEOPOROSIS

When bone resorption exceeds bone formation:

⬇️ Bone mass
⬇️ Bone density
⬇️ Mechanical strength

Eventually, normal forces that would ordinarily be harmless can become enough to cause a fracture.

3️⃣ PATHOLOGICAL BONE DISEASE

Sometimes the bone is weakened by a localized disease process.

Possible causes include:

🦠 Osteomyelitis
🦠 Bone infection/abscess
🧬 Tumorous lesions
🦴 Cystic lesions
🔥 Chronic inflammation
🩸 Other destructive bone processes

A diseased section of bone may become a weak point, making fracture much easier.

4️⃣ REPETITIVE MICROTRAUMA

Bones constantly experience mechanical stress.

Normally:

Stress → microscopic damage → repair → stronger/maintained bone

But if:

Damage > repair

microcracks accumulate.

Eventually:

💥 Microcracks join together → structural failure → complete fracture.

This explains why a farmer may not witness any major accident before the fracture.

🐄 WHICH CATTLE MAY BE AT HIGHER RISK?

Potentially affected animals include:

🔹 Young growing calves
🔹 Rapidly growing animals with nutritional imbalance
🔹 Severely malnourished cattle
🔹 Animals with chronic systemic disease
🔹 Animals with prolonged inactivity
🔹 Animals with bone infection
🔹 Animals with underlying pathological bone lesions

Age, diet, management, previous illness and production system are all important clues.

💥 WHAT CAN TRIGGER THE ACTUAL FRACTURE?

The final event can be surprisingly minor:

➡️ Standing up
➡️ Lying down
➡️ Turning suddenly
➡️ Slipping
➡️ Jumping
➡️ Fighting
➡️ Mounting
➡️ Being chased
➡️ Getting caught in equipment
➡️ A minor fall

Remember:

⚠️ The triggering event may be minor because the underlying bone may already be weak.

🚨 CLINICAL SIGNS

A humeral fracture can produce:

🔴 Sudden severe forelimb lameness
🔴 Complete or almost complete refusal to bear weight
🔴 Severe pain
🔴 Abnormal limb movement
🔴 Swelling around the shoulder/upper limb
🔴 Reluctance or inability to stand
🔴 Abnormal positioning of the limb
🔴 Muscle tremors
🔴 Distress when the limb is manipulated

But here's something VERY important:

🚨 You may NOT see an obvious deformity.

Why?

Because the humerus is surrounded by large amounts of muscle.

Therefore:

❌ "The leg doesn't look broken."

does NOT mean:

✅ "There is no fracture."

🧠 WATCH FOR NERVE DAMAGE

The nerves around the humerus can be damaged by:

🦴 Fracture fragments
🩸 Hemorrhage
🔥 Swelling
⚠️ Compression
↔️ Stretching

Radial nerve dysfunction can produce abnormal limb posture and difficulty extending the joints.

Possible signs include:

🔹 Knuckling
🔹 Abnormal carpal position
🔹 Difficulty extending the limb
🔹 Abnormal foot placement

Therefore, a proper neurological examination is important.

🔍 DIAGNOSIS

A veterinarian should investigate the case systematically.

📋 HISTORY

Ask:

❓ Did the animal fall?
❓ Was there fighting?
❓ Was it trapped somewhere?
❓ Any recent handling?
❓ Previous lameness?
❓ What is the animal eating?
❓ Is mineral supplementation being provided?
❓ How old is the animal?
❓ Has it recently been sick?
❓ Has the animal suffered previous fractures?

🩺 PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

The veterinarian evaluates:

✔️ Weight-bearing
✔️ Limb alignment
✔️ Swelling
✔️ Pain
✔️ Joint movement
✔️ Limb stability
✔️ Neurological function
✔️ Blood circulation
✔️ Skin integrity

🚨 Do NOT repeatedly manipulate a suspected fracture.

Aggressive examination can worsen:

⚠️ Bone displacement
⚠️ Muscle damage
⚠️ Nerve injury
⚠️ Blood-vessel injury
⚠️ Pain

🩻 RADIOGRAPHY

Where practical, radiographs can help determine:

🦴 Exact fracture location
🦴 Fracture configuration
🦴 Degree of displacement
🦴 Comminution
🦴 Abnormal bone density
🦴 Evidence of pathological bone disease

Proximal humeral fractures can be challenging to image in adult cattle because of the large muscles surrounding the area.

Depending on availability, veterinarians may also use ultrasonography or other diagnostic techniques.

🧪 FIND THE UNDERLYING CAUSE

This is one of the most important parts of the investigation.

Don't stop at:

❌ "The humerus is fractured."

Ask:

👉 "WHY did this bone fracture so easily?"

Depending on the case, investigations may include:

🧪 Calcium
🧪 Phosphorus
🧪 Magnesium
🧪 Vitamin D assessment where available
🧪 Kidney/liver function
🧪 Complete blood count
🧪 Inflammatory markers
🧪 Other tests based on clinical suspicion

And don't forget the most important "laboratory":

🌱 THE FEEDING PROGRAM.

The ration and mineral program should be evaluated carefully.

💊 TREATMENT

Treatment depends on:

🔹 Location of the fracture
🔹 Type of fracture
🔹 Degree of displacement
🔹 Open or closed fracture
🔹 Nerve involvement
🔹 Blood-vessel injury
🔹 Underlying bone disease
🔹 Age and size of the animal
🔹 General health
🔹 Economic value
🔹 Availability of orthopedic expertise

There is NO single treatment protocol for every bovine humeral fracture.

🛑 IMMEDIATE FIELD MANAGEMENT

Until a veterinarian examines the animal:

✅ Restrict movement
✅ Keep the animal in a safe area
✅ Provide suitable bedding
✅ Prevent fighting and unnecessary walking
✅ Keep the floor as non-slip as possible
✅ Arrange veterinary examination

Avoid:

❌ Forcing the animal to walk
❌ Dragging it unnecessarily
❌ Repeatedly manipulating the limb
❌ Attempting aggressive straightening
❌ Attempting amateur surgery
❌ Randomly injecting minerals
❌ Delaying treatment because there is no visible deformity

💉 PAIN MANAGEMENT

A fracture is extremely painful.

Appropriate analgesia is an essential component of treatment.

Veterinarians may use appropriate NSAIDs or other pain-management strategies depending on the animal's condition and local regulations.

⚠️ Food-producing animals require attention to drug withdrawal periods and approved use.

Pain relief is not a luxury.

❤️ Pain control is an animal-welfare responsibility.

🦴 CAN THE FRACTURE BE FIXED?

YES — some fractures can be treated successfully, particularly selected fractures in young animals.

However, humeral fractures are challenging because:

⚠️ The humerus is heavily surrounded by muscle
⚠️ External immobilization can be difficult
⚠️ Cattle are large and heavy
⚠️ The limb is weight-bearing
⚠️ Powerful muscles can displace fracture fragments
⚠️ Nerves may be damaged

Depending on the case, treatment may involve:

🔹 Conservative management
🔹 Appropriate external support in selected cases
🔹 Surgical fixation
🔹 Plates and screws
🔹 Intramedullary fixation
🔹 Other orthopedic techniques

The exact method must be selected by a veterinarian based on examination and imaging.

🏥 SURGERY IN ADULT CATTLE

Surgical repair may be considered in selected valuable animals when:

✔️ The fracture is technically repairable
✔️ The animal is otherwise healthy
✔️ The fracture configuration is favorable
✔️ Appropriate equipment is available
✔️ Skilled orthopedic expertise is available
✔️ Postoperative care can be provided

But the decision must be realistic.

A technically possible repair isn't automatically the best welfare or economic choice.

🚨 WHEN IS THE PROGNOSIS POOR?

Prognosis becomes more guarded with:

🔴 Severe displacement
🔴 Highly comminuted fracture
🔴 Open fracture
🔴 Severe infection
🔴 Major nerve injury
🔴 Major vascular damage
🔴 Severe underlying bone disease
🔴 Poor bone quality
🔴 Inability to stabilize the fracture
🔴 Persistent severe pain
🔴 Inability to maintain safe mobility

❤️ HUMANE EUTHANASIA

Sometimes treatment is not realistically achievable.

If the fracture is severe, prognosis is extremely poor, pain cannot be adequately controlled, or recovery would be unlikely, humane euthanasia may be the most responsible option.

This is not simply about economics.

The fundamental question is:

👉 Can we restore an acceptable quality of life without prolonged suffering?

If the answer is no, animal welfare must come first.

🌱 PREVENTION

The best fracture treatment is prevention.

🥬 FEEDING

Provide a properly balanced diet containing adequate:

✔️ Energy
✔️ Protein
✔️ Calcium
✔️ Phosphorus
✔️ Vitamin D
✔️ Magnesium
✔️ Trace minerals

But remember:

⚠️ More mineral ≠ better mineral nutrition.

Incorrect supplementation can itself create nutritional problems.

The objective is a balanced ration, ideally formulated according to forage/feed analysis and the animal's production stage.

🏠 HOUSING & MANAGEMENT

Reduce traumatic injuries by providing:

✔️ Non-slip flooring
✔️ Adequate bedding
✔️ Safe handling facilities
✔️ Proper loading ramps
✔️ Adequate space
✔️ Reduced overcrowding
✔️ Safe gates and fences
✔️ Properly designed pens
✔️ Regular inspection for hazards

Prevent cattle from becoming trapped between structures.

🔬 IMPORTANT DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSES

A cow with sudden severe forelimb lameness may have many conditions besides humeral fracture.

Consider:

🦴 Scapular fracture
🦴 Radius/ulna fracture
🦴 Joint luxation
🦴 Severe arthritis
🦠 Osteomyelitis
🦠 Septic arthritis
🧠 Radial nerve paralysis
🧠 Brachial plexus injury
💪 Severe muscle injury
🦵 Tendon/ligament injury

That's why professional examination matters.

🚨 FARMER'S GOLDEN RULE

If a cow suddenly develops:

SEVERE FORELIMB LAMENESS + REFUSES TO BEAR WEIGHT

especially after a minor incident...

👉 Think FRACTURE until proven otherwise.

Don't wait for the bone to become visibly deformed.

🧠 TAKE-HOME MESSAGE

A so-called "spontaneous" humeral fracture is often not truly spontaneous.

The fracture may represent the final stage of an underlying problem:

🥬 Nutritional imbalance
⬇️
🦴 Reduced bone quality
⬇️
🔬 Microdamage
⬇️
⚠️ Reduced structural strength
⬇️
🐄 Normal/minor mechanical stress
⬇️
💥 HUMERAL FRACTURE
⬇️
😣 Severe pain + lameness
⬇️
🧠 Possible nerve/vascular injury
⬇️
🏥 Treatment/prognosis decision

🔑 THE BIGGEST LESSON:

DON'T ONLY ASK: "HOW DO WE FIX THE BROKEN BONE?"

Ask:

"WHY DID THE BONE BREAK IN THE FIRST PLACE?"

Because repairing the fracture without correcting an underlying nutritional, metabolic, infectious or pathological problem may leave the animal vulnerable to further complications.

🐄❤️ Healthy bones begin long before the fracture occurs.

📢 SHARE THIS POST with cattle farmers, livestock keepers, veterinary students, animal-health workers and anyone involved in cattle production.

⚠️ Veterinary disclaimer: A suspected fracture requires prompt professional assessment. Do not attempt forceful manipulation, improvised fracture reduction, or unsupervised drug treatment. Treatment and drug selection should be determined by a qualified veterinarian, including consideration of food-animal withdrawal requirements.

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"where quality is guaranteed"

28/08/2026

Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) in Dogs 🦟

Flea allergy dermatitis is a common allergic skin condition caused by hypersensitivity to proteins in flea saliva. Even a small number of flea bites can trigger intense itching in susceptible dogs.

🔹 What happens?
Flea bites → salivary allergens enter the skin → hypersensitivity reaction → severe itching → scratching, licking and chewing → skin inflammation and self-trauma.

🔹 Common signs include:
• Redness (erythema)
• Small raised bumps (papules)
• Pustules
• Crusts/scabs
• Excoriations from scratching
• Hair loss (alopecia)
• Secondary bacterial infection in damaged skin

📌 Important: Effective flea control for the affected dog and all pets in the household, along with environmental flea control when necessary, is essential for managing FAD.

Educational post — diagnosis and treatment should be guided by a qualified veterinarian.

27/08/2026

27/08/2026

🐄🔥 NORMAL BOVINE CALVING — HOW A CALF SHOULD COME OUT SAFELY

🧠 Understanding presentation, position, posture & normal delivery

Calving is one of the most important moments in cattle production. A cow can carry a pregnancy for months, yet a few hours around calving can determine the survival of both the cow and calf.
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The good news? Normal calving follows a very recognizable pattern.

If farmers understand what a normal calf looks like when entering the birth canal, they can identify abnormal calving much earlier and avoid dangerous delays.

🟢 1. WHAT DOES A NORMAL CALF LOOK LIKE INSIDE THE COW?

The classic normal presentation is:

✅ ANTERIOR PRESENTATION

The head comes first.

✅ DORSO-SACRAL POSITION

The calf's back is facing the cow's backbone.

✅ NORMAL POSTURE

The calf has:

🐾 Both forelegs extended
🐾 Head extended
🐾 Neck extended
👃 Nose positioned between/above the forelegs

So, in simple farmer language:

«TWO FRONT FEET + NOSE/HEAD = the classic normal head-first calf.»

🐄 2. THE NORMAL ORDER OF DELIVERY

A normal anterior calf generally appears in this sequence:

🐾 Forefoot #1
⬇️
🐾 Forefoot #2
⬇️
👃 Nose/head
⬇️
🧠 Head & neck
⬇️
🫁 Shoulders/chest
⬇️
🫃 Abdomen
⬇️
🦵 Hips/hindquarters
⬇️
🐄 THE CALF IS BORN

Once the shoulders have passed through the maternal pelvis, delivery often becomes considerably easier.

🔬 3. WHAT IS HAPPENING INSIDE THE COW?

Calving occurs in stages.

STAGE 1 — THE BIRTH CANAL PREPARES

The cervix gradually dilates.

Uterine contractions become stronger and more coordinated.

The cow may:

• Become restless
• Separate from the herd
• Lie down and stand repeatedly
• Raise her tail
• Look toward her flank
• Stop eating or reduce feed intake
• Begin abdominal straining as active labor develops

This is preparation for the calf to enter the birth canal.

STAGE 2 — THE CALF ENTERS THE BIRTH CANAL

The fetus moves toward the cervix.

The forelimbs and head enter the pelvic canal.

The membranes may become visible.

Then the first hoof appears.

Soon afterward, the second hoof should normally appear.

Then the muzzle/head becomes visible.

🐾 4. WHY ARE TWO FORELEGS IMPORTANT?

The two forelegs help position and guide the calf through the maternal pelvis.

The head and forelimbs together form the leading part of the fetus.

If one foreleg is retained backward, the shoulder on that side can become difficult to pass.

This can result in:

❌ One foot appearing
❌ One foot and head appearing
❌ Head appearing without both feet
❌ Calf becoming stuck
❌ Prolonged labor
❌ Trauma to the cow and calf

Therefore:

«Never assume that seeing one hoof means the calf is positioned normally.»

🧠 5. PRESENTATION ≠ POSITION ≠ POSTURE

This is one of the most important lessons in bovine obstetrics.

PRESENTATION = Which end comes first?

➡️ Anterior = head first
➡️ Posterior = hindquarters first
➡️ Transverse = side of fetus enters the birth canal

POSITION = Which direction is the calf facing?

Normal:

➡️ Dorso-sacral

The calf's back is toward the cow's spine.

POSTURE = Where are the head and limbs?

Normal anterior posture:

➡️ Head extended
➡️ Neck extended
➡️ Both forelimbs extended

A calf can therefore have a normal presentation but an abnormal posture.

🚨 6. WARNING SIGNS OF ABNORMAL CALVING

Farmers should pay close attention when they see:

❌ ONE FOOT ONLY

Possible retained/retracted limb.

❌ TWO FEET BUT NO HEAD

Possible head deviation or retained head.

❌ HEAD BUT NO FEET

Possible retained forelimbs.

❌ ONE FOOT + HEAD

The second forelimb may be retained.

❌ TAIL WITHOUT NORMAL HIND FEET

Possible abnormal posterior posture.

❌ FOUR LIMBS APPEARING TOGETHER

Could indicate an abnormal presentation.

❌ NO PROGRESS DESPITE STRONG CONTRACTIONS

This is a major warning sign.

❌ CALF APPEARS STUCK AT THE SHOULDERS

Possible fetopelvic disproportion—meaning the calf may be too large relative to the cow's pelvic canal.

⚠️ 7. DON'T PULL JUST BECAUSE YOU SEE A FOOT!

This is one of the biggest mistakes during difficult calving.

Before applying traction, determine:

✅ What presentation is present?
✅ Are these forelimbs or hindlimbs?
✅ Where is the calf's head?
✅ Is the head correctly positioned?
✅ Are both limbs extended?
✅ Is the cervix adequately dilated?
✅ Is the calf appropriately sized for the pelvis?
✅ Is the calf alive?

Correct the problem before applying strong traction.

Blind pulling can cause:

⚠️ Vaginal trauma
⚠️ Cervical injury
⚠️ Uterine damage
⚠️ Nerve injury
⚠️ Severe pain
⚠️ Calf injury or death
⚠️ Maternal exhaustion

When the abnormality cannot be safely corrected, call a veterinarian or experienced livestock professional immediately.

🐄 8. WHAT ABOUT A BACKWARD CALF?

A calf can sometimes be delivered with the hindlimbs first.

This is called a posterior presentation.

The calf may still have its back toward the cow's spine and both hindlimbs extended.

However, posterior delivery deserves very close monitoring, because the umbilical cord can become compressed before the calf's head is delivered.

Therefore, a backward calf should not be treated casually.

⏱️ 9. WATCH PROGRESS — NOT JUST THE CLOCK

One of the most important principles of calving management is:

«Normal labor should show progressive advancement.»

If the cow is contracting strongly and:

feet appear → head advances → shoulders advance → chest advances → hips advance

that is reassuring.

But if:

cow pushes → calf doesn't advance → cow pushes harder → still no advancement

🚨 STOP AND INVESTIGATE.

Prolonged unproductive straining may indicate dystocia.

🧤 10. IF YOU MUST ASSIST

Only a trained person should perform an internal obstetrical examination.

Use:

🧤 Clean obstetrical gloves/sleeves
💧 Plenty of clean lubricant
🧼 Good hygiene
🔎 Careful identification of fetal structures

The examination should establish:

Presentation → Position → Posture → Fetal viability → Relative fetal/maternal size

Never pull blindly.

Never use excessive force.

Never continue pulling against an obstruction that does not yield.

If the calf cannot be delivered safely, veterinary assistance is needed.

🧠 11. THE “NORMAL CALVING FORMULA”

Save this in your memory:

🟢 NORMAL CALVING

ANTERIOR
⬇️
DORSO-SACRAL
⬇️
HEAD + NECK EXTENDED
⬇️
BOTH FORELEGS EXTENDED
⬇️
STEADY PROGRESS
⬇️
🐄 LIVE CALF

🚨 THE GOLDEN RULE

“TWO FEET + NOSE + PROGRESS”

Two front feet and the nose appearing in the expected sequence, together with steady advancement during contractions, strongly supports a normal anterior delivery.

But remember:

«The appearance of a hoof alone does not prove that calving is normal.»

The calf's presentation, position, posture and progress must all be assessed.

❤️ 12. AFTER THE CALF IS BORN

The job isn't finished when the calf hits the ground.

Immediately check:

🐄 Is the calf breathing?
👃 Are the nostrils clear?
❤️ Is the calf responsive?
🧼 Is the umbilical area clean?
🌡️ Is the calf warm and dry?
🥛 Does it receive adequate colostrum promptly?

The cow should also be monitored for:

• Excessive bleeding
• Pr*****ed uterus
• Retained fetal membranes
• Severe weakness
• Continued straining
• Abnormal discharge
• Inability to stand
• Signs of shock or trauma

🏆 FINAL MESSAGE TO EVERY CATTLE FARMER

Calving should never be treated as simply:

“The cow is pushing, so wait and see.”

Learn to recognize the anatomy.

NORMAL:

🐾 Two forefeet
➕
👃 Head/nose
➕
🦴 Calf's back toward cow's back
➕
📈 Continuous progress

ABNORMAL:

❌ One foot
❌ Head without feet
❌ Feet without expected head
❌ Tail/abnormal limbs
❌ No progress
❌ Calf apparently stuck

Early recognition = earlier intervention = better chance of saving both cow and calf.

🐄❤️ Good calving management is not about pulling harder. It is about knowing what is normal, recognizing what is abnormal, and intervening at the right time.

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🌾 Better Knowledge • Better Management • Healthier Livestock • Better Returns

Share this post with cattle farmers, herdsmen, veterinary students and livestock professionals. Someone may recognize a difficult calving early enough to save a life.

🌾Nile Feeds and Cereals Supplies🌾
"where quality is guaranteed"

24/08/2026

Paragonimus is a parasitic lung fluke that can infect humans after eating raw or undercooked freshwater crustaceans such as crabs or crayfish.

The immature parasites can migrate through the intestinal wall and abdominal tissues before reaching the lungs, where adult worms can cause chronic inflammation, coughing and sometimes blood in the sputum. Rarely, ectopic infections can affect the brain and cause neurological symptoms.

24/08/2026

31,838 Dairy Cooperative Societies have been established and revitalized under the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD), which has improved market access for dairy farmers and strengthened milk procurement infrastructure. In addition to promoting sustainable livelihoods in rural India, these initiatives help build a dairy industry that is more robust, resilient and inclusive.

24/08/2026

🐄⚠️ BOVINE SEIZURES: CAUSES, WARNING SIGNS & WHAT FARMERS SHOULD KNOW

Seizures in cattle are not a disease by themselves—they are a sign that the brain is being affected by a serious neurological, metabolic, toxic, infectious, or nutritional problem.
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A cow that suddenly becomes stiff, falls, paddles with the limbs, loses awareness, or develops uncontrolled muscle movements requires urgent veterinary attention.

🧠 COMMON CAUSES OF SEIZURES IN CATTLE

1️⃣ Polioencephalomalacia (PEM)

One of the important neurological causes in cattle.

Possible triggers include:
• Thiamine deficiency or disruption of thiamine metabolism
• High dietary sulfur
• Sudden dietary changes
• Certain feed-related problems

Signs may include blindness, head pressing, depression, incoordination, abnormal posture and seizures.

2️⃣ Hypomagnesemia — Grass Tetany 🌱

Low blood magnesium can develop rapidly, particularly in lactating cows under certain pasture conditions.

Signs can include:
• Nervousness and excessive alertness
• Muscle tremors
• Stiff movement
• Collapse
• Convulsions/seizures

⚠️ Severe cases can deteriorate very quickly.

3️⃣ Hypocalcemia — Milk Fever 🥛

Severe calcium imbalance, especially around calving, mainly causes weakness and recumbency but can also produce muscle tremors and abnormal movements.

4️⃣ Poisoning ☠️

Several toxic substances can affect the bovine nervous system.

Potential causes include:
• Lead exposure
• Organophosphate pesticides
• Carbamate pesticides
• Certain poisonous plants
• Nitrate/nitrite poisoning
• Contaminated feed or water

The exact signs depend on the toxin involved.

5️⃣ Rabies 🦠

Rabies is an extremely important zoonotic disease.

Affected cattle may show:
• Abnormal behavior
• Aggression or unusual excitement
• Difficulty swallowing
• Excessive salivation
• Progressive neurological abnormalities
• Paralysis and, in some cases, seizure-like episodes

⚠️ Do not handle a suspected rabid animal unnecessarily. Contact a veterinarian or relevant animal-health authority immediately.

6️⃣ Encephalitis & Meningitis

Inflammation or infection involving the brain or its surrounding tissues may produce:

• Fever
• Depression
• Altered behavior
• Incoordination
• Abnormal head position
• Blindness
• Seizures

7️⃣ Brain Abscesses & Other Brain Lesions

Localized disease within the brain can interfere with normal neurological function and may produce seizures, abnormal behavior, circling, blindness or other neurological abnormalities.

8️⃣ Head Trauma 🐄

Severe trauma to the head can damage brain tissue and cause neurological abnormalities, including seizures.

9️⃣ Severe Metabolic/Electrolyte Disorders

Abnormal levels of substances such as:

• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Sodium
• Glucose

can interfere with normal brain and muscle function and may contribute to convulsions.

🔟 Congenital & Developmental Disorders

Some calves may have abnormalities affecting the brain or nervous system that can cause neurological signs from an early age.

🚨 WHAT MAY A SEIZURE LOOK LIKE?

During a seizure, a cow may suddenly:

🔸 Fall or become unable to stand
🔸 Develop uncontrolled muscle contractions
🔸 Become stiff
🔸 Make abnormal limb movements
🔸 Lose normal awareness
🔸 Show abnormal eye or head movements
🔸 Have repeated episodes

Between episodes, the animal may appear confused, blind, weak or abnormal depending on the underlying disease.

🔍 DIAGNOSIS IS CRITICAL

Because many different conditions can cause seizures, treatment should not be based on the seizure alone.

A veterinarian may investigate:

✅ Recent feed changes
✅ Pasture conditions
✅ Mineral supplementation
✅ Possible pesticide exposure
✅ Access to batteries, old machinery or other lead sources
✅ Recent calving
✅ History of illness or trauma
✅ Temperature and neurological status
✅ Blood glucose, calcium and magnesium
✅ Other laboratory tests when indicated

🛑 WHAT SHOULD FARMERS DO?

If a cow develops seizures:

➡️ Keep people and other animals at a safe distance.
➡️ Remove obvious environmental hazards if this can be done safely.
➡️ Do not force food, water or medicines into an animal that is unconscious or actively convulsing.
➡️ Do not attempt to restrain the animal unnecessarily during an episode.
➡️ Contact a veterinarian urgently.
➡️ Preserve information about recent feeds, medications, pesticides and possible toxin exposure for investigation.

🚑 REMEMBER

A seizure is a warning sign—not a diagnosis.

The underlying cause may be nutritional, metabolic, infectious, toxic, traumatic or related to disease of the brain. Early veterinary investigation can be critical, particularly with rapidly progressing conditions such as grass tetany, poisoning and some neurological diseases.

🐄 Healthy cattle = productive cattle.
🔬 Recognize neurological signs early.
👨‍⚕️ Seek professional veterinary diagnosis and treatment.

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