Archive Case #28: Bovine Hypocalcaemia

Clinical Clues

1. A high-producing dairy cow is found recumbent within 24 hours of calving.
2. The farmer reports the cow was weak at first and then became unable to stand.
3. On examination the cow is quiet, cold-eared, and has reduced rumen motility.
4. The heart sounds are weak and the pulse is elevated.
5. Blood testing confirms low serum calcium concentration.
6. Sudden calcium demand at the onset of lactation can cause periparturient paresis in dairy cows.

Diagnosis

Bovine Hypocalcaemia

This case is most consistent with Bovine Hypocalcaemia because the freshly calved dairy cow is recumbent, weak, and has confirmed low serum calcium. The most important clues are the timing after calving, reduced muscle function, and hypocalcaemia, which strongly support milk fever.

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.