Prognostic Indicators for Survival of Downer Cows Treated with Use of a Flotation Tank

Abstract: Background: Non-ambulatory cattle present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge and raise animal welfare concerns. For valuable individual animals, treatment by flotation therapy is an option, but concerns of cost versus return exist. Prognostic indicators for survival are needed to help guide treatment decisions.

Hypothesis/Objectives: To evaluate historical and clinical variables assessed during hospitalization as prognostic indicators for survival in recumbent cattle that underwent flotation treatment in a referral hospital.

Animals: 190 non-ambulatory dairy cattle referred for flotation treatment

Methods: Retrospective case-series; medical records were analyzed from dairy cattle undergoing flotation between 2000 – 2020. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association of clinical variables with survival to discharge.

Results: Eighty-nine of 190 (47%) recumbent cattle survived. Cattle that were unable to walk out of the tank after their first float session were 0.10 (95% CI, 0.03, 0.25) times less likely to survive compared to cattle that could. Inappetent cattle were 0.21 (95% CI, 0.07, 0.58) times less likely to survive compared to cattle with normal appetites. Cattle that were recumbent due to calving paralysis or from metabolic derangements were 10.53 (95% CI, 1.22,110.75) and 22.02 (95% CI, 4.87,122.22) times more likely to survive, respectively, compared to those recumbent due to coxofemoral luxation.


Conclusions and clinical importance: Diagnosis, behavioral factors during first float session, and appetite are associated with outcome in non-ambulatory dairy cattle treated by flotation. These findings can be used to determine likely case outcome and assist with decisions concerning treatment, referral or euthanasia.