Methods of Treatment

Lactation tetany is not usually diagnosed in cows until individuals have developed clinical signs. They should be treated without delay by a veterinary surgeon. Cows with lactation tetany are often also low in calcium as well as magnesium. It is therefore wise to use a combined treatment of calcium borogluconate and magnesium hypophosphite. There are several products on the market for cattle. The initial injection is administered intravenously, followed by a subcutaneous injection. If subcutaneous medication is given, care should be taken not to overdose. A 48-hour meat and milk withdrawal needs to be observed in organic herds (7 days if certified with the Soil Association). Recovery is generally rapid but relapses are not uncommon and the treatment may have to be repeated. It is common practice to give a large intra-muscular dose of an ataractic drug before commencing specific treatment, to prevent convulsions during treatment.

Homoeopathy may help aid recovery (Elliott and Pinkus, 1993).

The affected cow should be treated in the field and, after it has settled down and stopped convulsing, transported to the steading. The suckler calves should be fed by hand until the cow has completely recovered, since attempts to suck may precipitate another convulsion.

Hypomagnesaemic tetany in calves can be treated with magnesium injections, but the effect is only transitory because of severe depletion of bone reserves of magnesium. Follow-up supplementation of the diet with magnesium oxide or carbonate is advisable. Tranquilization with an ataractic drug may be essential to avoid death due to respiratory paralysis.