Post calving disease focus - LDA’s

Every year post calving we see cows with twisted stomachs (the fourth stomach, or abomasum, twists to the left or right). LDAs are the most common (left displaced abomasum).

Cattle are especially prone to left twists (LDA’s) within 2-6 weeks post calving. Some risk factors are: poor transition management, diseases post calving such as retained membranes/ metritis, room created in the abdomen after calving, genetic factors (e.g. Holsteins) and over conditioned cows coming into calving. As you can see, several of these can be prevented.

The main sign is a decrease in milk yield (often sudden). Otherwise cows are often just a little “off colour” and possibly also ketotic (negative energy balance). At least half have another disease as well.

An easy way to diagnose a twisted stomach is to listen with a stethoscope whilst flicking the left flank of the cow. A “ping” is heard from the excess gas in the twisted stomach. The twist can be corrected easily if promptly diagnosed by surgery, and then the stomach is sutured in place so it won’t occur again. If caught early, these cows return to milk production and have no long term effects.

So…if you have any cows that have had a sudden milk drop or are just a bit “off” (check out your red mob!) Give us a ring and we’ll look for a “ping”!