What kind of health concerns should be monitored in cattle that have experienced fire? Inhalation of smoke, burn injuries, stress from exertion, and injuries that happened during the animals’ escape from danger may all play a longer-term role.
Here are some considerations for monitoring cattle post-fire:
Lungs
Smoke inhalation can cause both immediate and long-term harm. If cattle have burned muzzles or faces, or crusty noses, they are more likely to have smoke inhalation issues. In the short term (first day), fluid may build up in the lungs, causing them to swell and resulting in coughing with rapid, moist breathing.
Several hours to several days post-fire, small airways deep within the lungs can swell and cause issues with oxygen exchange, resulting in labored breathing and perhaps wheezing as air tries to move through partial blockages.
In the longer term (4-10 days), the potential for pneumonia is increased if lungs have been damaged. Generally, the lungs will be as healed as they’re going to be 4-6 weeks after the fire. During healing, breathing issues may continue to be observed with exertion or stress. Consult your veterinarian for treatment advice as preventative antibiotics may be an option to prevent pneumonia.
Feet
Cattle may not show immediate signs of feet problems. Unfortunately, the most common result to major heat damage to the hooves is sloughing them 1-3 weeks post-fire. Sudden lameness with signs of infection around the coronary band may indicate hooves are in the process of sloughing. Treatment with antibiotics will not help. These animals probably should be humanely euthanized.
Teats/udders
Evaluate udders and teats carefully as burns can lead to inflammation, which could produce mastitis or nonproductive quarters the following year. Taking a close look at the health of teat openings is an important consideration when making culling decisions.
Bulls
The impact of burn damage to sheaths and scrotums may not be evident for 4-6 weeks. Examine sheaths for excessive scarring that could block the opening as healing progresses. Breeding soundness exams should be even more of a priority before next year’s breeding season for bulls who experienced fire.
Eyes
Eyes irritated by smoke and heat will exhibit signs similar to pinkeye, but healing will probably take longer than pinkeye does. Producers should consult a veterinarian about potential treatment of these animals with antibiotics. — Montana State University Extension
