Milk Fever (hypocalcemia)

Anyone in the dairy goat business will at some point run into this problem with their doe(s).Milk Fever,also called hypocalcemia is not really a fever at all.Milk fever is quite the opposite and is characterized by a doe that has kidded,that is very lethargic,has poor muscle control,difficulty standing and has enlarged pupils.While milk fever is less likely to occur in a doe that is receiving the proper type and amount of minerals.When milk fever strikes,it is due to a lack of calicum and magnesium.Immediate attention should be given to a doe with milk fever.The cure is relatively simple and should be administered as injections of calicum gluconate and magnesium.It is believed that calicum and magnesium injections be given together,liguids rich in vitamins A,D,E, will aid in a quicker recoverly.Left untreated the doe will die.
By: United States Department of Agriculture