MILK FEVER Meaning and
Definition
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Milk fever is a condition commonly seen in female mammals, particularly in lactating cows, that occurs shortly after giving birth. It is technically known as hypocalcemia or parturient paresis and is characterized by a sudden drop in blood calcium levels. This occurs due to the high demand for calcium during the production of milk.
The condition is called milk fever because one of the primary symptoms is muscle weakness or paralysis, often leading to difficulty or inability to rise and walk. Other signs include restlessness, staggering, loss of appetite, and a decreased milk production. Severe cases can result in coma or death if left untreated.
Milk fever is typically caused by an imbalance between the amount of calcium needed for milk production and the amount available in the body. This imbalance can occur due to factors such as a high calcium demand during late pregnancy, inadequate dietary calcium intake, insufficient absorption of calcium from the gut, or an impaired ability of the body to mobilize calcium reserves.
Treatment for milk fever usually involves intravenous administration of calcium gluconate to raise blood calcium levels rapidly. In some cases, additional fluids or supportive medications may be necessary. Prevention strategies include providing a balanced diet with adequate calcium levels prior to calving, ensuring proper calcium absorption, and monitoring calcium levels during the transition period. Proper management practices, including regular assessments and prompt medical intervention, are crucial in minimizing the occurrence of milk fever in lactating cows.
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(1) A slight elevation of temperature following childbirth, said to be due to the establishment of the secretion of milk, but probably the same as absorption f.; (2) milk sickness.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MILK FEVER
- nilk fever
- kilk fever
- jilk fever
- mulk fever
- mjlk fever
- mklk fever
- molk fever
- m9lk fever
- m8lk fever
- mikk fever
- mipk fever
- miok fever
- milj fever
- milm fever
- mill fever
- milo fever
- mili fever
- milk dever
- milk cever
- milk vever
Etymology of MILK FEVER
The term "milk fever" is derived from combining two words: "milk" and "fever".
The word "milk" originates from the Old English word "meoluc", which itself comes from the Proto-Germanic word "meluks". This word is likely a borrowing from the Proto-Indo-European root "*melg-", which means "to milk" or "to suckle". The term "milk" specifically refers to the white liquid produced by female mammals for feeding their young.
On the other hand, the word "fever" comes from the Latin word "febris". This Latin term originally referred to a condition of increased body temperature, often associated with illness. The word "fever" has been used in English since the 14th century to describe an elevated body temperature caused by infection or disease.
Similar spelling word for MILK FEVER
