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Milk Fever (Periparturient Hypocalcaemia)
Endocrine and MetabolicBovineNew
Key Points
  • Milk fever (‘periparturient hypocalcaemia’) is a metabolic condition caused by low levels of ionised calcium due to high calcium demands around the onset of lactation
  • It’s most common in multiparous dairy cows within 12-48 hours after calving
  • Can be subclinical or clinical
    • Subclinical is more common and associated with ↓ milk yield and ↑ risk of other periparturient diseases
  • Clinical disease occurs in 3 stages, progressing from early neuromuscular irritability → sternal recumbency and depression → lateral recumbency and coma if untreated
  • Diagnosis in practice is clinical, based on presentation, timing around calving and response to calcium therapy
  • IV calcium borogluconate is the treatment of choice and can cause clinical improvement in minutes
  • Prevention focuses on transition cow management: controlling the DCAD, limiting dietary potassium, avoiding excess calcium and ensuring adequate magnesium intake
Differential Diagnoses
  1. Hypomagnesaemia
  2. Traumatic injury
  3. Nerve / muscle damage
  4. Ketosis
Overview
Aetiology
Clinical Signs
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
Resources
Overview

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Aetiology

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Clinical Signs

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Diagnosis

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Treatment

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Prevention

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Resources

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Educational content only. This factsheet is for general veterinary education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Not for use in an emergency — contact a veterinarian or emergency service. Full disclaimer →