Lifting techniques in bovine recumbency

In most cases, bovine recumbency (downer cow syndrome) is a complication of periparturient hypocalcemia, but may also be caused by other metabolic disorders, trauma, toxic mastitis or metritis. An important treatment measurement in the recumbent cattle is to bring the cow to its feet, in order to avoid quickly occurring secondary damage. Various lifting systems are on the market, such as a cow lift with a supporting harness or hip clamps. Such lifting systems are easy to use and relatively inexpensive. However, these techniques can cause secondary injuries and ischemic pressure damage. An alternative method is the use of a specially designed flotation tank. The buoyancy of the water gently lifts the cattle avoiding secondary, neuromuscular lesions. The success rate in the therapy of recumbent cattle can be significantly improved by the correct and early use of suitable lifting techniques. In this review, the most common lifting techniques for recumbent cattle are summarized.