Successful use of dexamethasone, vitamin B12 and vitamin e selenium in management of bilateral obturator nerve paralysis in a cow

Abstract

Obturator nerve injury is a common cause of postpartum recumbence in cows that often lead to economic losses due to death or loss of production. Treatment of such downer cows is always a challenge since they often carry poor prognoses. Due to prolonged recumbence that comes along with the problem and for animal welfare reasons valuable cows end up being slaughtered as a salvage procedure. However, cases of obturator nerve paralysis have been managed with variable successes. In this case recovery was recorded after use of dexamethasone and vitamin B12 given in high doses three days apart, alongside Vitamin E, selenium. Coupled with prompt intervention of continuous massage of the limbs and sporting the cow in a standing position, the cow was able to rise without support in nine days. The combination was therefore useful and could be used in cases with non severe obturator nerve injuries in valuable cows.