Parturient Paresis. IV. The Effect of Udder Inflation upon Blood Levels of Calcium, Magnesium and Phosphorus in Cows with Parturient Paresis

Abstract

Seven Jersey cows with parturient paresis were treated by udder inflation and the blood levels of Ca, Mg and P were detd. at frequent intervals up to 20 hrs. following treatment. The cows were not treated until the disease had progressed to the point where they were unable to rise, pre-inflation samples were taken, and then the udder was inflated to a pressure of 60 to 70 mm. Hg and the teats taped to prevent the escape of air. Time of recovery ranged from 3 to 14 hrs. after treatment, and was regarded as the time the cow arose to her feet and stood of her own accord. In all cases Ca and P levels increased following treatment with the Ca level near or above 6 mg.% at the time of recovery in all but 2 cases, one of which suffered a relapse and died. In no case was the P level within the normal range when the cow got up. Two cows had a hypermagnesemia condition with the other remaining in the normal to high normal range.