The Heartland Team have a tale of perseverance and recovery of a cow that we hope will equip you with the knowledge to act decisively if you ever find yourself dealing with a cow (or any other mammal) suffering from hypothermia.

Reviving Hope: A Cows Miraculous Recovery from Hypothermia

In the midst of a relentless storm here in KwaZulu-Natal, one of the rural community member’s precious calves went missing, only to be found by the Heartland team 2 days later, frozen and on the brink of death. It took a painstaking nine hours to bring her back to life. Upon finding her, we immediately had her loaded onto the trailer and brought to Heartland for treatment. We placed her in a stable under an infrared lamp, enveloped her in a space blanket, and added several layers of fleece blankets for insulation. Infrared lamps are known for their ability to provide deep penetrating heat, which is crucial in treating hypothermia.

The situation was dire—she was unable to move or even lift her head, her body was rigid, gums pale, and eyes rolled back. These symptoms indicated severe hypothermia, where body functions slow down drastically. Immediate action was necessary.

We administered Equistrath, which contains a unique yeast plasmolysate instrumental in jump-starting the digestive system, crucial for her recovery. Alongside this, we gave her electrolytes and water through a syringe to ensure she stayed hydrated and maintained essential body functions. Electrolytes are vital for restoring the body’s fluid balance and aiding normal cellular function.

On admission her body temp was too low for the thermometer to read! After four hours of vigilant care and monitoring, there was a glimmer of hope—she lifted her head and started eating and drinking on her own. By this point, her temperature, initially too low to register on the thermometer, had risen to 34°C. Gradually, it continued to climb: 36°C at six hours and reaching a healthy 37°C by the ninth hour.

Despite this battle with hypothermia, she faced additional challenges: malnutrition, parasitic infestations of worms and ticks, and multiple lacerations. Each wound was meticulously treated as part of her overall care plan. Remarkably, she made a full recovery, a testament to resilience and effective intervention.

A heartfelt thanks to Dr. Kelly Barnard, from Octavoscene Veterinary , who provided invaluable guidance over the phone when she couldn’t physically reach us due to the storm conditions. Her expertise was indispensable in navigating this crisis.

We urge all farmers and livestock owners to be prepared for emergencies like this. Ensure your first aid kits are well-stocked with Equistrath, electrolytes, space blankets, and infrared lights. These tools can mean the difference between life and death.

You can order Equistrath , electrolyes and other essential medical products from Assagay Feeds, they will deliver direct to your farm

Stay safe and prepared!

If you would like to support our cause at Heartland please consider making a tax-deductible donation to our NPO

Heartland Rescue & Rehabilitation Non-Profit
Reg: 2021/128186/08
Tax Exemption Number: 930079238
NPO: 299-756

Account Name: Heartland Rescue KZN
Bank: First National Bank
Account Type: Business Account
Account Number: 62927033746
Reference: YOUR NAME / BUSINESS NAME

Paypal : info@heartlandkzn.co.za