FieldDxRecumbency of undetermined etiologyClinical signs, differential diagnosis, treatment and prevention in horses.
Overview
A general clinical label for an animal unable to rise when no specific cause has yet been identified. By definition unidentified at the time of labeling -- requires further diagnostic workup to find the underlying metabolic, neurologic, musculoskeletal or infectious cause.
Clinical signs
- Persistent recumbency lasting for more than 8 hours.
Predisposing factors
- Periparturient and early-lactation dairy cows are most commonly affected.
- Delayed or unsuccessful treatment of hypocalcaemia (milk fever).
- Dystocia, which can cause calving paralysis from nerve injury.
- Slipping and falling, especially on slippery concrete; overcrowding and stressed herd behaviour increase slipping injuries.
Treatment
No specific treatment; supportive care.
Prevention
1. Prognosis is poor to guarded. 2. Horses surviving the acute episode can have exercise intolerance as a result of persisting myocardial disease.
Source
MSD Veterinary Manual — Recumbency in Large Animals (accessed 2026-08-11)
MSD Veterinary Manual — Bovine Secondary Recumbency (accessed 2026-10-29)
A Textbook of the Diseases of Cattle, Horses, Sheep, Pigs and Goat by ELSEVIER (Table 21-1, Page 1960)
Condensed and attributed, never reproduced whole. Open the full entry in the app.