Description
Flopak Plus (4 In 1) – Calcium and Magnesium Solution with Phosphorus and Glucose
Active Ingredients: Calcium (as Calcium Gluconate) @ 27.5g/L, Magnesium (as Magnesium Hypophosphite Mineral-Magnesium) @ 4.7g/L, Glucose @ 182.0g/L, Phosphorus @ 12.2g/L.
Similar or comparable to Minbal 4 in 1 Balanced Mineral Injection (Sykes Vet)
Flopak Plus (4 In 1) is used in the treatment of milk fever, grass tetany and associated metabolic conditions in cattle and sheep. It is a sterile, non-pyrogenic injection solution of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and glucose.
Why choose Flopak Plus (4 in 1);
- A 4-in-1 solution containing calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and glucose.
- For use on cattle and sheep.
- A Ready to use bag, sterile needle and delivery tube are included.
- Subcutaneous Injection.
- Provides a rapid glucose energy source and restores phosphorus and magnesium levels for treatment of associated metabolic conditions.
- For use in both cattle and sheep.
- Ideal for use on ‘downer’ cows.
- New, improved packaging, pre-attached delivery tube, and separate sterile needle.
What is metabolic disease?
- Metabolic disease is a collective name given to conditions that are caused by a disturbance in the animal’s normal metabolic processes or a deficiency of an essential nutrient in the body.
- Metabolic diseases are typically caused by an inability of the animal to meet its demands during times of high production or stress, particularly around late pregnancy and early lactation.
- These diseases can often occur concurrently and present with similar clinical signs but have very different causes and treatments.
The most common metabolic diseases in sheep and cattle are;
- Milk Fever – is caused by a deficiency in calcium.
- Grass Tetany – is caused by a deficiency in magnesium.
- Ketosis – is caused by a deficiency in energy.
Milk Fever:
- Milk Fever (hypocalcaemia) is caused by low blood calcium levels.
- As a cow or ewe’s calcium requirements increase, large amounts of calcium are mobilised from body reserves, such as bone.
- If mobilisation occurs too slowly, calcium blood levels will drop below optimum, resulting in milk fever.
When does Milk Fever occur?
- Milk fever predominantly occurs in late pregnancy or post-calving/ lambing, when calcium requirements increase to support the growing foetus and onset of milk production.
- Milk fever can sometimes occur from inadequate calcium intake and can be triggered by stress.
Predisposing factors:
- Older, high-producing dairy cows or ewes in good to fat body condition
- History of milk fever in a previous lactation
- Sudden changes in feed or grazing on green lush feed (low roughage) before calving or lambing
- Grazing on high oxalate pastures or cereal grain.
Diagnosis:
- Diagnosis is typically based on history, clinical signs and response to treatment, which is usually rapid.
Treatment:
- Treatment is very effective if provided promptly. Give a calcium borogluconate solution (Flopak Plus 4 in 1) by subcutaneous injection into the lower neck or over the ribs at several injection sites (or by slow intravenous injection under veterinary supervision) to restore calcium levels rapidly.
- Animals lying flat should be propped up to relieve bloat and be protected from bad weather.
- Repeat treatment every 4-6 hours if a full recovery has not been made. Simultaneous oral calcium supplements can also assist in recovery and prevent potential relapses.
Prevention:
- Keep cows or ewes on a low calcium diet during late pregnancy by restricting access to green feed and feeding good quality hay and grain.
- Minimise handling to reduce stress and avoid sudden drops in feed intake at this time.
- Ensure magnesium levels are adequate before calving or lambing and supplement if necessary.
- Injection of Vitamin D3 (Hideject) before calving can also be used to promote the mobilisation of bone calcium, which is a more efficient calcium source than dietary calcium.
- At calving/ lambing and early lactation, increase dietary calcium by grazing clover dominant pasture and providing calcium supplements.
Grass Tetany:
- Grass Tetany or Grass Staggers (hypomagnesaemia) is caused by low blood magnesium levels.
- Low magnesium levels can occur from either low dietary intake or poor magnesium availability due to interacting minerals such as potassium, interfering with the absorption of magnesium in the rumen.
When does Grass Tetany occur?
- Grass tetany commonly occurs during late pregnancy or lactation when magnesium requirements increase.
- It is often associated with low calcium levels and can be triggered by stress or reduced feed intake.
Predisposing factors:
- Older cows (>6 years of age)
- Grazing on lush, rapidly growing pastures high in nitrogen and/or potassium
- Grazing on grass-dominant pastures or young cereal forage
- Acidic soils
Diagnosis:
- Diagnosis is typically based on history, clinical signs and response to treatment.
Treatment:
- A prompt treatment of a magnesium and calcium solution (Flopak Plus 4 in 1) administered by subcutaneous injection into the lower neck or over the ribs at several injection sites (or by slow intravenous injection under veterinary supervision) will be most effective.
- A veterinarian may follow up with a magnesium sulphate treatment.
- A magnesium feed supplement should be fed daily to support recovery and prevent potential relapses.
Prevention:
- Supplement cows or ewes with magnesium during periods of greatest risk with either magnesium oxide-treated hay, loose licks or medicated water treatments.
- It is also important to coordinate the time of calving or lambing with low-risk pastures and minimise handling during late pregnancy.
- Long-term prevention involves reducing high potassium levels and soil acidification to manage the predisposing factors of grass tetany better.
Flopak Plus (4 In 1) Pack Size: 500mL Sterile Pack
Registrant: Elanco Australasia Pty Ltd (APVMA #: 47310)
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