Yusra Veterinary Care Centre

13/09/2026

Goka Feed

13/09/2026

Feeding Better Growing Stronger

12/09/2026

Ultrasonography in cow

12/09/2026

Ultrasonography of cow

09/09/2026

07/09/2026

Hypocalcemia (Milk Fever) in Cows

Hypocalcemia, commonly called milk fever, is a metabolic disorder caused by a sudden fall in blood calcium, most commonly around calving and the first few days of lactation.

Typical clinical signs

Stage Signs
Early Reduced appetite, weakness, restlessness, cold ears, decreased rumen motility
Moderate Staggering, muscle tremors, inability to stand, dry muzzle, reduced defecation
Severe Sternal/lateral recumbency, head turned toward flank, marked weakness, coma and death
Temperature Often normal to below normal; cold extremities are common

Treatment

1. Recumbent cow — emergency treatment

* Calcium borogluconate IV, given slowly while monitoring heart rate/rhythm. A commonly used adult-cattle dose is around 8–12 g elemental calcium, but the exact volume depends on the formulation.
* Warm the solution to approximately body temperature before IV administration.
* If the cow responds poorly or relapses, additional calcium may be required under veterinary supervision.

2. Oral calcium
Once the cow is alert and able to swallow:

* Give an oral calcium bolus/gel according to the product’s label.
* A second dose is commonly given 12–24 hours later in high-risk cows.

3. Subcutaneous calcium

* Can be useful when IV administration is not appropriate or as supplemental therapy.
* Divide the dose among several sites to reduce tissue irritation.
* Do not give concentrated calcium solutions IM.

Important differential diagnoses

A cow that is recumbent after calving should not automatically be assumed to have milk fever.

04/08/2026

Cat scratch disease

27/05/2026

Happy Eid ul Azha

15/05/2026

Cutaneous myiasis (fly strike / maggot wound) in sheep is an infestation of skin and wounds by fly larvae (maggots), commonly caused by blowflies. It is common in warm, humid conditions and around dirty wool, wounds, urine-soiled areas, or foot lesions.

Common Predisposing Causes

* Open wounds from shearing, fighting, castration, docking
* Diarrhoea causing f***l soiling
* Urine staining around tail
* Foot rot wounds
* Neglected abscesses
* Wet fleece and poor hygiene

Clinical Signs

* Restlessness, biting or rubbing body
* Foul-smelling wound
* Wool discoloration and moist skin
* Visible maggots in skin
* Depression, anorexia
* Fever in severe cases
* Toxemia and weakness if advanced

Common Sites

* Breech/tail region
* Neck and shoulders
* Feet
* Wounds anywhere on body

Treatment Protocol

1. Clip and Clean

* Clip wool widely around affected area
* Remove all maggots manually using forceps
* Flush wound with:
* Dilute povidone iodine
* Normal saline
* Chlorhexidine solution

2. Apply Larvicidal/Topical Medication

Commonly used:

* Turpentine oil (carefully, avoid excess)
* Negasunt powder
* Topicure spray
* Himax ointment
* Cypermethrin spray (diluted as directed)

3. Systemic Antibiotics

If deep wound, fever, cellulitis or toxemia present:

* Oxytetracycline long acting: 20 mg/kg IM, repeat after 72 hrs
OR
* Ceftriaxone 20–25 mg/kg IM/IV

4. Anti-inflammatory

* Meloxicam 0.5 mg/kg IM/SC for pain and inflammation

5. Supportive Care

* Fluid therapy if dehydrated
* Vitamin B-complex
* Good nutrition and clean dry housing

Prevention

* Regular shearing and crutching
* Control diarrhoea and foot rot
* Proper wound management
* Fly control with insecticide dips/sprays
* Maintain dry bedding and hygiene

Prognosis

* Good if treated early
* Poor in neglected cases with toxemia or extensive tissue destruction

Field Tip

After maggot removal, daily wound dressing for 3–5 days is very important because remaining larvae can reappear from deeper tissue.