Bovine self-assessment

摘要

A Holstein cow that calved three days ago presents with two days' history of dullness, very poor appetite and milk yield of seven litres per day. The cow has been treated by the farmer for suspected hypocalcaemia with two bottles of 40% calcium borogluconate injected subcutaneously but there was no improvement. Subsequently, the cow was treated for suspected coliform mastitis with flunixin injected intramuscularly despite there being no changes in the udder or any abnormal secretions. The cow now stands with a roached back stance with the neck extended and the head held lowered (Figs. 1-2).The rectal temperature is elevated (39.3°C).The ocular and oral mucous membranes are very congested. There is an occasional bilateral mucopurulent nasal discharge. The heart rate is 86 beats per minute. The respiratory rate is elevated to 48 breaths per minute with an obvious abdominal component. Auscultation of the chest reveals reduced lung sounds anteroventrally on the right hand side of the chest. Pinching over the withers elicits a painful expression. There are no ruminal contractions.