The symptoms of heat stroke are very similar in all animals, but some are more vulnerable than others: those who are clinically ill, those who are on the verge of becoming ill, and especially those who are nearing the time of their calving.
How does heatstroke occur?
The condition results in an extreme rise in body temperature. Temperatures above 106°F–107°F would be considered unreasonable in an animal that appeared to be in perfect health just a few hours earlier. Therefore, it would be prudent—indeed, necessary—to check the temperature of an animal that is down or otherwise depressed on a very hot and humid summer day. A heat stroke typically occurs between 106°F and 108°F. To determine where the animal with the worst symptoms falls on the temperature scale, check her temperature. Normal cows will experience elevated temperatures in the range of 103°F or higher on the worst days when they are congregating in the barnyard or coming in from the pasture.
The difference between heat stroke and heat stress is that a heat-stressed cow or horse will pant open-mouthed and breathe quickly and shallowly, but they will still be able to stand. On the other hand, a heat-stroke cow will typically lie down and not stand. Similar to a cow with milk fever, a heat-stroke cow will have shallow, rapid breathing and typically appear depressed or even coma-like. The eyes will have dilated pupils. When you touch the animal, it will feel hot. She could be sweating or not. She will feel like she is internally burning up if you perform a rectal exam on her. Animals suffering from heatstroke rarely consume water, whereas animals experiencing heat stress will. The main difference between a heat-stressed cow and a heat-stroke cow is that the heat-stroke cow will have lost control of its normal functions (can't stand, won't drink, isn't responding, or is in a coma).
PREVENTO for CATTLE is the best homeopathic veterinary medicine. PREVENTO for CATTLE is for large animals showing panting due to sun stroke, heat stroke, excessive cold, or after recovering from foot and mouth disease.
This unique formulation is brought up by the leading Homeopathic Veterinary Medicine producing company Goel Vet Pharma Pvt Ltd. The company is certified under WHO GMP practices which highlight its hygienic manufacturing facilities. All the available formulations had undergone many clinical and field trials thus gaining trust among many veterinarians and pet parents.
A HEAT-STRESSED COW (or horse) will show signs of open-mouth panting with quick, shallow breathing but can still stand, while a heat-stroke cow will usually be down and not rise. A HEAT-STROKE COW will have shallow, rapid respirations and usually appears depressed or even comatose—much like a milk fever cow.
Prevention of Heat Stroke
While there’s not much you can do about the weather, there are things you can do to prevent animals from getting heat stroke. More and more people are misting their cows to cool them, either in the cow yard or at the feed rack. And while I don’t think allowing cows in streams is generally a good idea, on the most oppressive hottest days it seems reasonable to let them enjoy some wading time in the water. Allowing cows into the woods is another option. But making them wait at the gate until milking time to come in from a baking pasture is simply being foolish.
Comments