Grass tetany (Hypomagnesaemia), also known as staggers, is a metabolic disorder caused by low serum magnesium levels, typically affecting lactating cattle and ewes grazing on rapidly growing spring pasture. Now that we have had a little bout of rain there is likely to be a flush of grass.
⚠️ Clinical signs include:
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Hyperexcitability and muscle tremors
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Ataxia and staggering gait
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Recumbency, seizures, and sudden death
🧪 Risk factors:
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Lush, fast-growing pasture low in Mg
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High potassium or nitrogen fertilisation
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Cold or wet weather stress
🧾 Preventive strategies:
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Oral Mg supplementation (licks, drenches, or high-Mg concentrates)
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Pasture management to improve forage mineral balance
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Early identification and treatment with Mg solutions (e.g., CMPK)
📉 Remember: Clinical cases often occur without warning—proactive prevention is critical.
#VeterinaryScience #GrassTetany #Hypomagnesaemia #LivestockHealth #PreventiveMedicine
