Milk fever
(HYPOCALCEMIA)

WHAT IS IT?

• Milk fever is also known as postparturient paresis
• It is a metabolic disease caused by low levels of circulating calcium in the bloodstream

WHO'S AT RISK

• Dairy cows
• Goats
• Jersey cows are more suceptable

WHAT CAUSES MILK FEVER?

• Before calving the cow will exert calcium into the mammary ducts
• Secrete 20-30 grams of calcium right before lactation
• This causes calcium levels in serum to drop dramatically

FACTS

• Parturient paresis occurs within 24-72 hrs of parturition
• Milk fever contributes to dystocia, uterine prolapse, retained fetal membranes, mastitis, metritis
• 3-10% of dairy cows are effected each year in dairy production
• 1:20 cows die
• Considered a herd problem if over 10-15% infected annual

CLINICAL SIGNS

• Muscle twitching
• Tachycardia
• S shape of neck
• Ataxia
• Head bobbing
• Shuffling of feet
• Bloat
• Constipation

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