# Milk Fever Calcium Dose Calculator for Cows (Parturient Paresis)

> Free milk fever calculator for dairy cows: calcium gluconate dose by stage (IV, SC, oral bolus) and the grams of elemental calcium in your product.

- Source page: https://wevet.in/calculators/milk-fever-calcium-calculator/
- Type: Calculator
- Publisher: WeVet
- Updated: 2026-11-01
- Audience: veterinarians and veterinary students

The standard calcium treatment for each stage of milk fever (parturient paresis) in cows, and how much elemental calcium your calcium bottle actually contains.

Use the free interactive calculator: https://wevet.in/calculators/milk-fever-calcium-calculator/

## Inputs

- Stage: Stage 1 — standing, hypersensitive, excitable · Stage 2 — cannot stand · Stage 3 — losing consciousness / coma
- Your product: Calcium gluconate · Calcium borogluconate / combined Ca + Mg + P
- Product strength (% w/v, optional)
- Volume (mL, optional)

## How it is calculated

**Stages 2 and 3:** 23% calcium gluconate solution, 500 mL, IV, once — this provides 10.7 g of elemental calcium — given slowly over 10–20 minutes while the cardiac rhythm is monitored [1].

**Stage 1:** a single 500 mL infusion of 23% calcium gluconate SC, divided over at least two sites behind the shoulder blades; or an oral calcium bolus providing 40–55 g of elemental calcium, followed by a second bolus 12 hours later [1].

The lowest dose of calcium needed to restore normal blood calcium should be used [1].

**Your product:** grams of calcium salt = % × mL ÷ 100; elemental calcium is estimated with the source's own ratio (500 mL of 23% = 115 g calcium gluconate = 10.7 g calcium).

## Worked example

500 mL of 23% calcium gluconate = 115 g calcium gluconate = 10.7 g elemental calcium.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the IV calcium dose for a cow with milk fever?

The standard treatment for a cow that cannot stand is 500 mL of 23% calcium gluconate IV once, providing 10.7 g of elemental calcium, given over 10–20 minutes while monitoring the heart [1].

### Can calcium be given orally for milk fever?

For stage 1 cows that are still standing, an oral bolus providing 40–55 g of elemental calcium can be given, with a second bolus 12 hours later [1].

## References

[1] Parturient Paresis in Cows (milk fever) — Merck Veterinary Manual. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/metabolic-disorders/disorders-of-calcium-metabolism/parturient-paresis-in-cows

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Numbers in [brackets] cite the references above. For veterinary professionals. Information supports — never replaces — clinical judgement; always check the current product label and local regulations.
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