Executive Summary & Operational Context
Milk Fever (acute hypocalcemia) and Ketosis (acetonemia) are the twin metabolic nightmares that strike high-yielding dairy cows within 48 hours to 4 weeks of calving. Prompt intravenous calcium and oral propylene glycol can bring a downer, comatose cow to her feet in 20 minutes.
Administering 450 mL of warm 25% Calcium Borogluconate intravenously at a controlled heart rate restores neuromuscular function and stands up a downer cow.
Clinical Signs of Stage 2 & Stage 3 Milk Fever
Despite its name, Milk Fever causes sub-normal hypothermic body temperature (97–100°F), not a fever! Stage 1: Trembling, excitability, stiff gait. Stage 2 (Sternal Recumbency): The cow cannot stand up; sits with her neck kinked in an "S-curve" or her head resting on her flank, cold ears and muzzle, dry nose, and dilated pupils. Stage 3 (Lateral Recumbency): Cow lies flat on her side, completely comatose and bloats rapidly; without urgent intravenous calcium, death from cardiac arrest occurs within hours.
How to Implement on Your Dairy Farm
Warm Calcium Borogluconate to Body Temp
Always warm the 450 mL glass bottle of 25% Calcium Borogluconate in warm water to 38°C before IV infusion to prevent cardiac shock.
Infuse Slowly Over 15–20 Minutes
Auscultate the heart continuously during IV infusion. If heart rate skips or accelerates dangerously, stop infusion temporarily.
Drench Oral Calcium Gel
Administer an oral ionic calcium paste (Cal-Up / Animate gel) 12 hours after the IV infusion to maintain continuous blood calcium levels.
Recommended Breeds for this System
Related Dairy Guides in Disease & Health
Mastitis in Dairy Cows: California Mastitis Test (CMT), Teat Dip & Intramammary Treatment
Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in Cattle: Goat Pox Vaccine Schedule, Treatment & Bio-Security
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD / Khurpakka-Munhpakka): Vaccination Timing & Outbreak Protocol
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions: Milk Fever (Hypocalcemia) & Ketosis: Calcium Borogluconate Therapy & DCAD Diet
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