Vol. 10, Issue 11, Part F (2025)

Author(s): Karthikeyan B, Saravanan M, Veeraselvam M, Balakrishnan S, Yogeshpriya S and Karthika K

Abstract: Recumbency in dairy cattle has multifactorial condition in which prognosis largely depends on the duration of recumbency and quality of nursing care. This study documented the signalment profile and clinical presentation of recumbent dairy cows with varying durations of recumbency. Eighteen recumbent cows presented to the large animal outpatient unit of the Veterinary Clinical Complex and Department of Veterinary Medicine, VCRI, Orathanadu and recumbent cows were categorized into three groups based on duration of recumbency as Group A (2-5 days), Group B (6-10 days) and Group C (> 10 days), with six animals in each group. Jersey crossbred cows predominated among cases followed by Holstein Friesian crossbreds and non-descript cattle, with most animals being multiparous and in early lactation. Prolonged recumbency was associated with progressive deterioration in clinical status, characterised by a shift from good to fair or poor body condition, development of decubital ulcers and maggot infested wounds, altered mentation and higher frequency of non-alert animals in Group C. Lateral recumbency and abnormal postures such as opisthotonus were more common in cows recumbent for more than 10 days. Respiratory rate was significantly increased in prolonged recumbency. The findings highlight the cumulative impact of prolonged recumbency and emphasise the need for early recognition and intensive nursing within the first 5 days to limit secondary complications and improve recovery.

DOI: 10.22271/veterinary.2025.v10.i11f.2745