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Stark-Billings County |
Extension Spotlites
April 2, 2009
Hypothermia and Frostbite
Hypothermia is a profound drop in body temperature. Animals less than 48 hours old or animals with a pre-existing condition or disease are the greatest risk for developing hypothermia. Newborns are often hypoglycemic (low energy reserve) and have electrolyte imbalances. Animals with pre-existing conditions (pneumonia, old age) have impaired body reserves and may succumb more readily to very cold and windy conditions.
Frostbite refers to the destruction of tissue in a localized area due to extreme cold. It is uncommon in healthy, well fed, and sheltered animals. The areas most likely to be injured includes the ears, tail, teats, scrotum, and distal parts of the limbs, especially the hooves. Hind limbs are more likely to be involved in cattle since the normal posture for the animal is to draw its front legs up under the chest while the hind legs protrude out from under the body.
Prevention:
Treating cases of hypothermia and frostbite is often unrewarding. Prevention is of primary importance. Prevention consists of keeping the animals warm and dry, especially newborns.
Bedding is essential. Bedding has two functions. It insulates the animal from the snow and ice underneath the body, which prevents hypothermia and frostbite, and lowers the nutritional requirements of the animal. The final essential aspect of prevention is to increase the amount of energy supplied in the animals diet.
Treatment
Calves with hypothermia need to be warmed slowly. The heat source should be about 105-108 degrees F. Warmer temperature may cause skin burns or shock. Sources of heat include a warm water bath, an electric blanket, heat lamps, or hot water bottles, plus a warming box. Supplying an energy source to these calves is essential. If the calf is a newborn, colostrums should be supplied with the first 6-12 hours of life. Milk or electrolytes with an energy source such as glucose are recommended.
Areas suffering from frostbite should be warmed up quickly. Frostbite is the actual destruction of tissue. To prevent permanent damage, affected areas need to be restored with circulation as soon as possible. Again, the heat source should be about 105-108 degrees F. Opposite to what you see in the movies, do not rub affected areas. As the area warms up, it will be painful. In severe cases, analgesics (pain killers) may be indicated. Consult your veterinarian.
Frostbite in teats and scrotums deserves special mention. Frostbitten teats may be difficult to detect. The first sign may be a thin calf. The actual teat end is effected and can slough. If this happens, the sphincter muscle of the teat may be lost. This makes mastitis a possibility. Also, an affected teat may cause that quarter to dry up since the cow wont let the calf nurse.
Scrotums and testicles of bulls can suffer frostbite. Often these lesions go unnoticed. These lesions can cause transitory or permanent infertility. All herd bulls should having breeding soundness exams 45-60 days after the last severe cold spell. Your veterinarian can help you with these exams.
For more information contact:
Kurt Froelich,
Extension Agent
NDSU Extension Service
Stark-Billings County
1340 W. Villard St.
Dickinson ND 58601-4646
(701) 456-7665