Metabolic disorders in cattle

Milk fever occurs in three stages:

Stage 1 (Early stage) – Excitement stage

Duration: short (often missed). clinical signs include:

• Restlessness
• Hypersensitivity
• Muscle tremors
• Ear twitching
• Mild weakness

Stage 2 (Sternal recumbency stage)

Is the most commonly observed stage. Clinical Signs:

• Sternal recumbency
• Depression
• Cold ears and muzzle
• Dilated pupils
• Reduced rumen motility
• Constipation
• Tachycardia (weak pulse)
• Body temperature may be normal or low
• Characteristic S-shaped neck

Figure (1): sternal recumbency in a cow with milk fever.

Stage 3 (Lateral recumbency stage - comatosed)

Severe stage (emergency): signs include:

• Lateral recumbency
• Severe depression
• Coma
• Bloat
• Severe hypothermia (cold ears and extremities)
• Weak heart sounds
• Death if untreated