27/03/2026
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✅ Common Metabolic Diseases in Cattle
1. Milk Fever (Hypocalcemia)
Cause: Sudden drop in blood calcium after calving.
Risk: High-producing dairy cows.
Signs:
Cow unable to stand
Cold ears
Muscle tremors
Low body temperature
Treatment: IV calcium under veterinary supervision.
Prevention: Balanced mineral diet before calving.
2. Ketosis (Acetonemia)
Cause: Negative energy balance after calving → body burns fat → ketone buildup.
Signs:
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Sweet smell in breath/milk
Decreased milk production
Treatment: Propylene glycol, dextrose, energy-rich diet.
Prevention: Proper transition cow nutrition.
3. Grass Tetany (Hypomagnesemia)
Cause: Low blood magnesium, often due to lush spring grass high in potassium.
Signs:
Muscle twitching
Stiff gait
Sudden collapse
Seizures
Treatment: Magnesium IV or SC under vet guidance.
Prevention: Provide magnesium supplements during high-risk seasons.
4. Rumen Acidosis
Cause: Feeding too much grain → low rumen pH.
Types:
Acute
Sub-acute (SARA)
Signs:
Diarrhea
Reduced feed intake
Laminitis
Low milk fat
Treatment: Buffers, fluids, dietary correction.
Prevention: Add fiber, avoid sudden diet changes.
5. Fatty Liver Syndrome
Cause: Excessive fat breakdown due to severe negative energy balance around calving.
Signs:
Weight loss
Weakness
Poor milk yield
Treatment: Energy boosters, IV dextrose, proper feeding.
Prevention: Good body condition pre-calving.
6. Downer Cow Syndrome
Cause: Prolonged recumbency due to milk fever, trauma, or dystocia.
Signs:
Cow unable to rise
Muscle damage
Treatment: Treat underlying cause (commonly hypocalcemia).
Prevention: Early detection and treatment of milk fever.
7. Displaced Abomasum (LDA/RDA)
Cause: Gas buildup causes the abomasum to shift position.
Signs:
Reduced feed intake
Ping sound on auscultation
Drop in milk yield
Treatment: Surgical correction or rolling (LDA).
Prevention: Correct nutrition after calving.
8. Bloat (Frothy or Free-Gas)
Cause: Gas buildup in rumen due to legumes or obstruction.
Signs:
Swollen left abdomen
Difficulty breathing
Treatment: Trocarization, anti-bloat medicines.
Prevention: Avoid lush legume grazing.
9. Nutritional Muscular Dystrophy (White Muscle Disease)
Cause: Vitamin E and Selenium deficiency in calves.
Signs:
Muscle weakness
Difficulty standing
Treatment: Vitamin E + Selenium injections.
Prevention: Balanced mineral supplementation.