Ketosis Treatment Help

[NATIVO]

Hi,
I'm pretty sure my Jersey has Ketosis... She has all the signs and her milk smelled spicy like cinnamon the other day. What is the best treatment and how is it administered.. I don't think I can do an IV and can't afford a vet...

By the way is Ketosis deadly??

Thank You so much

 

[Farmer Kitty]

She will get worse and worse if not treated. I would imagine if left long enough it could kill her.

There are two treatments.
1. IV dextrose.
2. Give Ketogel (or similar product). It comes in a tube and needs a special gun to administer it. You can find it at your local farm supply store (Mills Fleet Farm and Blains Farm and Fleet both should have it). You put the tube as far into the back of her mouth as you can. Should end up with the trigger at the V of the skin for her mouth. Slowly trigger it into her. Either leave the tube in place for a few seconds after administering or pull her tongue so that she is less adpt to cough it back out. This method will take a little longer and I would get a couple tubes as you may need to repeat depending on how bad she is.

 

[jhm47]

You need to get her to a vet and get an IV.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

The ketogel can work--we have used it successfully.

 

[NATIVO]

I don't have the money for a vet right now and I need to learn... I just talked to the local Animal Husbandry pro and he told me to use dextrose, cmpk and propolene (how ever that's spelled).

We are going to drench her.. It's supposed to be fast acting.

My only concern is getting the tube in the right place... Any pointers on making sure the tube is in the stomach area? I read that you can blow into the tube and have a person listen to the stomach for bubbling sounds. Any advice on tubing is helpful..

Thank You

 

[Farmer Kitty]

No advice on tubing here. I can do it but, it's not something I can give directions for over the internet. It tends to be one of those things you need someone experienced to demonstrate and help you with.

 

[Imissmygirls]

Is she so weak that you have to tube?
The idea of the gel is to get it into her far enough that she swallows on her own and you avoid the lungs.
I agree with Kitty. Tubing is not for amateurs. Neither is IV tubing.
Old timers used the heavy duty quart soda bottles to drench. ( The ones these days are so thin they would break in the cow's mouth.) The cow has to swallow to avoid getting it in their lungs.
And yes, ketosis can and will kill. The earlier you treat it the better chance you have with the drenching/gel.

 

[jhm47]

Do you have money for the rendering truck? Work a deal with your vet. If you have dealt with one before, you should be able to work out an arrangement with him/her.

Just don't let the cow suffer. Be responsible.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

Here's what cows brought on the dairy sale at the local auction barn. Put the vet bill into perspective with it. If you really can not afford the vet out then get the gel and get it into her. You've already waited a couple days don't wait longer or it becomes more of an issue to treat and with these prices you would really hate to loose her as it would be throwing money down the drain.

Dairy Replacement Cattle SELLING 200-300 DAIRY CATTLE EVERY TUES. @ 11:00
Top Quality Springing Holstein Heifers 1200-1550
Plainer Quality Springing Holstein Heifers 900-1150
Good Quality Short Bred Heifers 1000-1325
Good Quality Springing and Recently Fresh Cows 1000-1775
Good Bred Back Milking Cows 1000-1650
Plain Quality and Common Cows Mkt-850

Open Holstein Heifers
Dehorned and Vaccinated Heifers 550-750# 750-1050 per head
Dehorned and Vaccinated Heifers 750-950# 850-1100 per head
Dehorned and Vaccinated Heifers 350-550# 550-875 per head

 

[NATIVO]

Good News.. No I don't need the rendering truck.. I'm pretty good at figuring things out... I was able to follow a few simple directions, run the tube just past the back of her tongue and pour a little at a time allowing her to swallow.. If Ole Tymers can figure it out so can I

If the cow is coughing you know you're in the wrong place.. It wasn't too bad.. I get to do it again tomorrow...

She is eating tonight and acting like she has a little more energy, although not back to normal.

Thanks for the advice...