Metabolic disorders

Metabolic disorders

As emergency veterinarians, we examine, among other things, cows with metabolic disorders, for example: cows with milk fever, ketosis, displaced abomasum, or ruminal acidosis. Metabolic disorders affect the cow’s welfare, production, and reproduction. It is important to correct the condition early in the course of the disease so that the cow can be ready to function in the herd again.

At Vestjyske Dyrlæger, we can use blood tests to assess, among other things, liver status, calcium and magnesium levels, etc. in the cows, thereby obtaining a more accurate prognosis and better follow-up treatment.

Follow-up treatment may, for example, consist of propylene glycol or pumping the cow with the appropriate electrolytes.

Displaced abomasum

The cow’s fourth stomach, the abomasum, normally lies on the right, beneath the rumen, but with digestive problems and subsequent gas build-up it can twist and move to either the left or right side. Most displaced abomasums are left-sided. At Vestjyske Dyrlæger, we have performed laparoscopic surgery for left-sided displaced abomasum since 2010. With laparoscopic surgery, the displacement is corrected quickly and as gently as possible. This gives the cow the best chance of getting back on track. We take blood samples from the cows we operate on to check liver status, which gives us a better picture of the cow’s prognosis and allows us to tailor follow-up treatment to the cow’s needs.

Right-sided displaced abomasums are rarer and more serious than left-sided cases. The cow will be more severely affected, and the prognosis is therefore not good. We also offer surgery for right-sided displaced abomasum, but the likelihood of the cow recovering is not nearly as good, and therefore surgery is not always recommended.