Synonyms

No known synonym

Name of the disease in English

Hypomagnesemic tetany of calves

The disease in brief

The disease manifests itself in calves, aged 2 months or more, fed on cow's milk, without any other contribution. The vet is called in for nervous problems or an impossible recovery.

Clinic & diagnosis

We can suspect the disease in a 2-month-old calf fed on cow's milk, if we note:

- Either initially: Tremor or myoclonus, exaggerated reactions to stimulation or rapid and permanent movement of the ears, stiffness of the neck.

-Following, we note ataxia, agitation or aggression, he can chew non-stop, show convulsions or opisthotonos

Typical sign of the disease

No description

Pictures

See below

Diagnostic formulas

No description

Differential diagnosis

- TX4 lead poisoning

- N171 salt poisoning

-Poisoning with agitation and convulsions (model-type = anti-slug) TX1

-Vitamin A deficiency NV21

-Myopathy-dyspnea LC42

-Non-specific bacterial meningoencephalitis (or BHV5 virus or other) NV13.1

-Tetanus NV19

-Enterotoxemia-Nervous form NV23

-Necrosis of the Cerebral Cortex NV20

Confirm a suspicion?

A blood sample on an anticoagulant allows an assay of plasma magnesium and calcium.

Prognosis and treatment

An intravenous injection of magnesium salt provides rapid improvement in many cases.

Oral intake of magnesium is necessary for the following days.

Prevention

A daily vitamin mineral supplement containing magnesium and selenium is essential for calves fed with cow's milk.

References

-Veterinary Medicine-Pocket companion -9th Edition BLOOD DC-page 522