In cases of milk fever complicated by lack of magnesium, the blood magnesium level may remain normal or even be depressed. Some times, the milk fever or downer cow problem is complicated by a toxemia from infection in the udder, reproductive tract, or digestive system. Treatment for milk fever may not be successful if the toxemia is not overcome. Calcium gluconate is usually the recommended method of treatment for milk fever. It should be administered slowly so as to prevent heart failure.
Response usually is rapid and relapses are fairly common.
Downer cows that do not respond to the treatment can be given 2 pounds of Epsom salts in 1 gallon of water to provide high available magnesium and eliminate toxins from the intestinal tract. The most likely causes of milk fever are imbalances of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, and potassium overload as it relates to anion-cation balance. Many milk fever cases can be eliminated or lessened in severity if dry cow forages are analyzed and the appropriate grain mix formulated, especially for minerals and vitamins. Milk fever can be prevented by feeding a balanced ration that contains the proper calcium, phosphorus, and potassium levels. The average intake of calcium and phosphorus for a 1,300 pound dry cow should be 50 to 70 grams of calcium per day and 33 to 36 grams of phosphorus per day.