Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
the uterus or large amounts of blood coming out of the vagina, call your veterinarian for treat-
ment.
Check the calf after delivery. Make sure all mucus is removed from the mouth and nostrils.
The calf should be blinking and attempting to lift its head immediately after delivery. If the
calf is not breathing, use a piece of straw to tickle its nose. If that fails to stimulate a breath,
you can try chest compressions or even mouth-to-snout breathing. When the calf takes a
breath, stop rescue breathing. If a calf is gurgling fluid, drape the lower half of the body over
the side of a pen or two bales of hay or straw so the head hangs down below the upper body.
This will let fluid escape from the respiratory tract. Chest compressions while the calf is
draped can also help with breathing. Get the cow up or gently drag the calf to the cow's head,
so she can begin cleaning and drying the calf off. You should dip the calf's umbilical cord
stump in a tincture of 2.5 percent iodine.
Problems associated with calving
Uterine prolapse:
A uterine prolapse occurs when the cow strains and pushes her uterus out
of her body. It is unmistakable when this occurs, as a large muscular sac will protrude or hang
down from the vulva. When this happens, call your veterinarian immediately; it is an emer-
gency. Pen the cow up to prevent her from injuring this fragile organ and prepare for the
veterinarian's arrival by removing soiled bedding and laying down a deep layer of fresh bed-
ding. The veterinarian will attempt to replace the uterus. The majority of uterine prolapses can
be successfully replaced provided medical attention is promptly received. The cow can bleed
to death if the uterine artery was torn when the prolapse occurred. Occasionally, after replace-
ment the cow will continue to strain and push the uterus back out. The veterinarian may stitch
the vulva shut and give the cow medicine to contract the uterus to prevent this from happen-
ing.
Hypocalcemia:
Hypocalcemia, or milk fever, can occur soon after calving, especially in older
dairy cattle. The udder can make such huge demands for calcium that it depletes the calcium
in the cow's blood stream to the point that she becomes weak or is unable to stand. Calcium is
needed for muscle contractions. A cow with milk fever is weak, wobbly, and will have cold
ears. Some cattle will be restless, may pace, and bellow. Milk fever is treated with calcium
given in the vein and possibly, supplemental oral calcium gel. Calcium can be purchased at
local veterinarian offices or at farm supply stores.
