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What should a technician do if a cow treated for milk fever is down again the next morning?

  1. Administer fluids intravenously

  2. Inform the owner that the veterinarian is sick and try to obtain a referral

  3. Perform a new examination of the cow

  4. Prescribe medication for the cow

The correct answer is: Inform the owner that the veterinarian is sick and try to obtain a referral

The situation described involves a cow that has been treated for milk fever, also known as hypocalcemia, and is down again the following morning. The correct approach in this scenario is to perform a new examination of the cow. When an animal presents with recurring clinical signs, such as downed status after treatment, it is critical first to reassess the cow's condition. This involves a thorough physical examination to evaluate vital signs, look for any additional signs of distress or complications, and assess the effectiveness of the previous treatment. The cow may have developed additional health issues, or there may be something that was overlooked during the initial assessment. Administering fluids intravenously without a new examination might not address the underlying problem, and prescribing medications without understanding what is happening could be inappropriate. Informing the owner that the veterinarian is sick may not provide a solution for the cow's immediate needs, as the animal requires prompt care. Therefore, the best course of action is to assess the cow again comprehensively to identify any new or existing problems that require attention or a different treatment strategy. This ensures that any underlying issues can be accurately addressed and appropriate interventions can be made.