Health Management on Dairy - Hypocalcemia and Related Disorders

Flashcards cover key concepts related to hypocalcemia and its management in dairy cows, including hormonal controls and associated disorders.

Hypocalcemia

A condition characterized by low levels of calcium in the blood, often seen in dairy cows around parturition.

Calcium Homeostasis

The maintenance of a constant concentration of calcium in the body, essential for muscle contractions, nerve conduction, bone formation, and blood clotting.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)

A hormone that regulates blood calcium levels by mobilizing calcium stored in bones.

Calcitonin

A hormone that decreases blood calcium levels and stimulates calcium deposition in bones.

Calcium absorption

The process of absorbing calcium from the gastrointestinal tract, increased by bioactive vitamin D.

Dietary Cation–Anion Difference (DCAD)

A dietary approach to prevent milk fever by balancing dietary cations and anions.

Metritis

A uterine infection that usually occurs 10–14 days post-calving, characterized by foul-smelling discharge.

Displaced abomasum

A condition occurring within the first two months after calving, where the abomasum moves to an abnormal position.

Signs of Hypocalcemia

Restlessness, loss of appetite, difficulty standing up, muscle tremors, and coordination problems.

Treatment of hypocalcemia

Includes oral treatments, which absorb quickly, and IV treatments that raise blood calcium levels immediately.