Cow cant get up.....help

[charolaischick]

Hi, got a Holstein cow who is just used to foster calves, but they have been off her now for 4months now, she had twin calves on Monday and was standing for 3 hours after she had them, then she went down and has not gotten up since. The vet has given calcium and phosphorous, but dont think thats the problem, any ideas to help. Thank you

 

[Nigel]

Are you sure she hasn't trapped a nerve or damaged herself with the calving? You could make a sling out of an old tarpaulin and some straps, feed it under her and then hoist her up with the loader until she's at normal standing height, leave for a while in that position. She will hopefully try to use her legs again, keep trying for a few days. I've dealt with quite a few like this post calving, it's my job to dispatch them when they eventually decide that they're never going to get back up. Don't let them stay down otherwise they end up with sores forming on their legs, sides etc. that eventually get infected.

 

[Kato]

Did she improve at all after the injection? If she showed even a small improvement, I'd check out giving her some more.

Our experience with calving injuries is that they happen right away. It is true though, that you don't want her down for long. The longer she's down the poorer her outlook is.

Let us know how she does.

 

[Cowboykevin]

Having grown up on a dairy farm ive seen this plenty, ecspecialy with heavy milkers. If you rub your hand on her side very firmly does she open her mouth and stick her tounge out? If so its milk fever! Id give her some more calcium, right in the vein, at least 500ml if shes not responding give another.
If she did pinch something you need to get her on her feet with a sling, We had do do this for 4 days one time but we saved a very good cow.
Keep her up for a couple hours at a time and then let her rest for the night.

Good Luck

 

[Shortgrass]

I've had range cows go down, and been able to help them with heavy doses of Vit E. Straight E--AD & E won't do it.

 

[charolaischick]

Thanks everyone who replied. Already gave her a fair dose of Vit E, kinda think there is not much hope, always the same with your fav cow is'nt it. Will give her another day, and then will have to do the decent thing.