How Arthritis Starts

Arthritis in cows, as in the case of other mammals, causes inflammation and then pain in their joints. Arthritis is common in mostly old and overweight cows. The important causes of arthritis in cows include lack of proper diet, old age, bacterial infections, abnormal growth of some body parts and injury to joints.

Types of arthritis in cows

Based on the causes and symptoms, there are two kinds of arthritis in cows, traumatic arthritis and septic arthritis.

1. Traumatic arthritis: When joint pain or inflammation is a result of injury, then it is called traumatic arthritis. Rough flooring is generally the reason behind traumatic arthritis. Poor cubicles or very congested cells of cattle can also cause traumatic arthritis. When some body part grows abnormally, like a crooked leg, then the chance of traumatic arthritis increases.Cartilage is an important part of the joints of cows. It provides cushioning between the bones. Sometimes due to injury or infection, cartilage might be damaged. Since there is no nerve in the cartilage, there is no pain initially. The pain is felt when the problem becomes severe. Cartilage is decayed enough so that the bones start rubbing against each other. Nerves in the bones become stressed.Once the arthritis starts with an injury, infection can arise inside the joint. Generally, traumatic arthritis is visible by lameness. One good thing about traumatic arthritis is that it can be diagnosed very easily.

    

2. Septic arthritis: When arthritis is caused by infection due to bacteria, it is called septic. Poor hygienic conditions increase its chances. Solar ulcers can also trigger septic arthritis. Septic arthritis generally occurs at the pedal joint. In cases such as aggravated foot-rot, the cow suffers a lot of pain. It is difficult to pass the antibiotic dosage to the joints and hence painkillers are less effective.The infection damages cartilage very easily. After the infection has been cured, the cartilage remains damaged. Thus the cow will be arthritic almost all her remaining life.Mycoplasma bovis and borrelia burgdorferi bacteria are responsible for most of the cases of septic arthritis in cows. Mycoplasma bovis causes Mycoplasma arthritis. However, Mycoplasma artritis generally appears as secondary to Mycoplasma pneumonia or mastitis in cows.

    

Symptoms

Traumatic arthritis can be seen quite clearly. But this is not the case with septic arthritis. Some of the signs and symptoms of arthritis in cows are as follows:

• visible lameness
• decreased appetite
• decreased weight
• fever
• swelling of joints
• prolonged lying down
• decreased milk yield

Signs of Onset

Traumatic arthritis can be observed clearly as lameness; however, as mentioned earlier, signs of septic arthritis are a bit subtle. Fever, decreased appetite and weight, and lethargy can be seen as the starting signs of septic arthritis. Visible lameness also appears in the later stages of septic arthritis.

Diagnosis and Treatment

When above mentioned signs are seen in a cow, you must consult your veterinarian. Diagnosis requires X-rays, radiographs, ultrasound, visual observation of the joints and joint fluid tests.

The treatment used for cow arthritis depends on the severity of the problem. Medical treatment or surgery or both, as advised by your veterinarian, can be undertaken. Aspirin may be used as pain reliever. Phosphorus, and vitamin A and D supplements can be of some help. Some antibiotics such as tylosin and danofloxacin can be useful.

In severe cases, cow may not respond to surgery. Infection grows. Then selling the dairy cow to the butcher or euthanizing it is the best option.

How to Care For

Pasture land is the most suitable natural habitat for a cow. It will ease the joints and help circulate nutrients to the joints. Pasture grazed cows also have higher content of nutrients in their milk. If pastures are not accessible, you should build spacious and airy cubicles for the cows.

Maintain hygiene in the cow shed as even a small infection may trigger bigger problems. The diet of calves should be looked after in order to avoid rapid weight gain. Soft bedding, like sand, will be helpful.