CLINICAL STUDIES ON EPIDEMIOLOGY PATHOLOGY, DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF DOWNER COW SYNDROME
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Date
2009
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AAU, Anand
Abstract
The downer cow syndrome is an emerging problem in high yielding cows. Management of such downer cows becomes a most challenging problem for any veterinarian. Downer cow syndrome is an extensively studied phenomenon all over the world but meager information has been reported in India. The present work on "Clinical Studies on Epidemiology, Pathology, Diagnosis and Management of Downer Cow Syndrome" was undertaken during the period starting from 1st October 2008 to 15th May 2009 in and around Anand town (Gujarat) to study the epidemiology and clinical management of downer cow syndrome. A total of 2,242 cows were at risk for downer cow syndrome, out of which 48 cows (2.14%) were found to be showing definitive signs of downer syndrome. Out of 48 downer cows, the highest incidence was recorded in more than a week recumbent downer cows (21 cases; 43.8%) followed by five days (11 cases; 22.9%), three days (10 cases; 20.8%) and one day (6 cases; 12.5%)). Out of 48 cases of downer cows syndrome, the incidence was recorded to be highest in Jersey crossbred (25 cases; 52.0%), followed by Holstein Friesian crossbred (15 cases; 31,2%), pure Holstein Friesian (5 cases; 10.4%), non -descript (2 cases; 4.2%) and pure Jersey (1 case; 2.0%). Out of 48 cases of downer cow syndrome, the highest incidences was recorded in high milk producers (23 cases; 48%), followed by average milk producers (22 cases; 46%)) and low milk producers (3 cases; 6%). Out of 48 cases of downer cow syndrome, the incidence was recorded to be highest in third and fourth lactation (22 cases; 46.2%)), followed by second lactation (10 cases; 20.7%), first lactation (9 cases; 18.5%), sixth lactation (5 cases; 10.5%) and fifth lactation (two cases; 4.1%). Type of housing and hygienic condition was not found to be correlated with the incidence of downer cow syndrome. Majority of the cows suffered from downer syndrome around calving or within a month post parturition. However, cases also occurred in late lactation, advance pregnancy and other physiological states. Downer cows were found into two categories clinically alert downers (41 cases; 85.4%) and non alert downers (7 cases; 14.6%). The alert downers were bright and alert with normal or slightly reduced appetite. The body temperature, rumination, urination and defecation were normal. The heart and respiratory rates were normal except few cows which had accelerated heart and respiratory rates (12 cases; 29.2%). Such cows tried to get up from front but were unable to raise their hind quarters. Characteristic crawling was also observed in fourteen (31.1%)) downer cows. The non-alert downers preferred lateral recumbency and they were completely anorectic with accelerated heart and respiratory rates. Haematologically, the downer cows had significantly (p<0.05) decreased Hb (7.90 ± 0.45), PCV (24.65 ± 1.26) and TEC (4.77 ± 0.15). Whereas significant (p<0.05) increased MCV (62.43±1.25), decreased MCHC (27.61 ±1.30), relatively neutropliiiia (44.12±1.97) and lymphopenia (52.83±2.12). The concentration of blood glucose (104.14 ± 6.57), BUN (20.00 ± 1.89) and creatinine (3.62 ± 0.53mg/dl) were significantly higher in downer cows. The activities of serum enzymes like AST (196.95 ± 19.41), ALT (57.41±7.84), CPK (14.93±1.07) and LDH (503.91 ±6.42) were significantly (p<0.05) higher in downer cows. Downer cows had significantly (p<0.05) low calcium (7.58±0.26), phosphorus (3.84±0.13), magnesium (2.82±0.09) and potassium (3.15±0.18) concentration. Majority of downer cows suffered from net deficiency of calcium, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium while some had combined deficiency. The Cortisol level (151.00±0.48) significantly (p<0.05) elevated in downer cow syndrome. Histopathologically, necrosis of muscle, demyelinization as well as loss of axon of nerves and degenerative changes in heart, liver, and kidney were characteristic features. In order to understand and formulate suitable diagnosis and therapeutic measures; clinical symptoms, haematology, biochemical profile, enzymes, minerals and electrolyte were studied on 48 cows suffering form downer cow syndrome. With combined therapy consisting of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and nervine stimulant at parenteral route with manual change of sides, massage of limbs and lifting of animals manually or with the help of sling on two-three occasions a day, success could be gained in 52 per cent downer cows (25 out of 48). The downer thus treated showed clinical recovery within a period of 3-40 days.
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VETERINARY MEDICINE, A STUDY