Archive Case #12: Bovine Hypomagnesaemia

Clinical Clues

1. A 6-year-old beef cow is found recumbent in a pasture during early spring.
2. The farmer reports the cow appeared nervous and separated from the herd earlier in the day.
3. Muscle tremors and twitching have been observed.
4. On examination the cow is hyperexcitable with increased heart rate.
5. Blood analysis reveals markedly decreased magnesium levels.
6. Low magnesium disrupts neuromuscular stability leading to tetany and seizures.

Diagnosis

Bovine Hypomagnesaemia

Grass tetany occurs in grazing cattle when magnesium intake or absorption is inadequate, leading to neuromuscular hyperexcitability.

Educational Use

Vetdle archive cases are educational veterinary games for diagnostic reasoning practice. They do not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional medical guidance.