A case study on therapeutic management of a cross-bred downer cow

A five year old cross bred cow, 24 hours post calving was presented to Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex (TVCC), Pookode, with the history of recumbency 24 hours post calving. The serum biochemical parameters of calcium, phosphorus and potassium on the first day of presentation were 7.93 mg/dL, 3.82 mg/dL and 3.67 mEq/L, respectively. Tentatively the condition was diagnosed as downer cow with metabolic origin. The cow was treated with calcium borogluconate, flunixine meglumine and inj. Vitamin B1, B6, B12, sodium acid phosphate, vitamin ADE, Selenium, Biotin liquid for 7 days. Along with this, potassium chloride was administered for two days. The supportive treatment was done with lifting of cow using cow sling. Sand bedding was provided along with physiotherapy of rolling of the recumbent cow alternate ways six times a day. The serum biochemical parameters became normal on 8th day and the cow recovered by 13th day.