The Cutting Edge Veterinary Podcast

STUDENTS: Nyomi Brobbel and Faith Jensen

FACULTY MENTOR: Dr. Gordon Atkins

Flotation therapy is used in the treatment of downer cows that develop bovine secondary recumbency; a complication of recumbency characterized by musculoskeletal damage. This damage results from body weight placing pressure on muscles and nerves of the limbs for a prolonged period of time, preventing return to ambulation following treatment of the primary insult. Prognostic indicators can be considered to aid in determining whether flotation therapy should be used to treat secondary recumbency and how many sessions may be required. These prognostic indicators include specific physical examination findings, muscle enzyme values, and CBC and biochemistry values. The use of flotation therapy can be a successful treatment strategy for bovine secondary recumbency when triage of patients based on specific criteria is implemented. Criteria consists of a complete physical examination, treatment of all metabolic imbalances before flotation therapy, and exclusion of cows with terminal musculoskeletal conditions. Treating secondary recumbency with flotation therapy is most beneficial when a multifactorial approach combining prognostic indicators and inclusion criteria is used as it encourages effective use of resources and consideration of animal welfare.