Down cows are a welfare issue and need prompt attention.

Euthanasia should always be an option and if you know you don’t have time to treat the animal properly it should be your first consideration.

Initial diagnosis and treatment should be administered as soon as possible. ALL treatments must include pain relief in the form of NSAIDs ( Loxicom )

Is it milk fever? This is the most common form of down cows at calving time. They generally look like this ( dopey) with a S bend in their neck. Here’s a diagnosis and treatment protocol.

Is it paralysis? This occurs mainly through prolonged calving. If there is a calf stuck in the pelvis or a dead calf lying behind the cow it is a good indicator. High doses of non steroildals is required BUT ONLY IF THE ANSWERS TO BOTH QUESTIONS IN STEP 7 ARE YES.

Is it a broken limb? Euthanasia is the only option here.

Any down cow that doesn’t respond quickly to treatment needs reassessed. Again FIRSTLY DO YOU HAVE TIME TO DEAL WITH IT ( yes or no ). SECONDLY IS THE COW BRIGHT AND ALERT ( yes or no ). If either are NO euthenaize. If both are yes they need shelter and nursing as follows.

Get cows off wet ground and into shelter. Move them in a tractor bucket or like this. Just carrying on hip lifters isn’t a great option.

Sometimes moving them isn’t possible. Give them shelter with hay bales and put them on a hay bedding.

They now need nursing. Access to feed. Access to water. Rolled at least twice a day to stop pressure sores and related muscle damage. Ideally have them near where people are.

They need lifted at least once a day but preferably twice.

If the cow makes slow improvements and remains bright and alert keep working with her.

If she becomes depressed or fails to make progress she must be euthanised.