Metabolic Diseases - Downer Cows

When cows with metabolic disease go down, it may be difficult to get them on their feet again - they become ‘downer cows’.
Usually the initial cause is milk fever, then either grass staggers or acetonaemia can develop as well. All three can occur together.
Sometimes calving injuries can cause cows to go down (eg paralysis because of nerve damage in the pelvis).
Once the cow has been down for a while, her body weight crushes her muscles and she may not be able to get back on her feet unaided, especially if she is heavily pregnant or very thin.
Once a cow has gone down and can’t get up, it very is important to get veterinary attention right away.
If hip clamps are used to get the cow on her feet, take care to prevent damage to the cow.
Hip clamps should be padded if necessary and they should not be left on for more than 5 to 10 minutes at a time.
Slings can be used for longer periods of time to help the cow recover.
The longer the cow is down, the poorer her chances of getting up again.