The time lapse between onset and treatment is extremely important if the animal is to survive. Cool weather interferes with the forage uptake of magnesium from the soil. When the animal consumes large amounts of the forage, it will likely become affected. Cows that are nursing calves become unprotected from grass tetany, as milk production assists in further depleting the system of this element. Grass tetany develops quickly and is more severe when the animals are moved or undergo stressful conditions.
Affected animals require immediate attention.
This usually involves an intravenous injection of a magnesium and calcium solution. It is advisable for a veterinarian to administer the drug while simultaneously monitoring the heart's reactions. If too much is given too quickly, the animal will not survive. Grass tetany is usually preventable by providing the animal access to mineral blocks containing ample amounts of magnesium. In extremely critical cases, the producer may also wish to add supplemental magnesium in the form of magnesium oxide to the feed.