Calf disease

DIARRHOEA

DIAGNOSTICS

Rapid (patient side) diagnostics, performed on faeces, are available and should be utilised to confirm bacterial origin as most are not. E. coli (< 3 days of age) and Salmonella are possible bacterial causes.

TREATMENT

Antimicrobial therapy is not indicated for diarrhoea caused by viruses or crytosporidia. Systemic antimicrobials are indicated when:

  • Documented bacterial aetiology
  • Sepsis
  • High-risk of sepsis

Trimethoprim / sulphonamide or oxytetracycline are suitable choices.

DURATION OF THERAPY

5 days is generally considered adequate.

CALF DIPTHERIA

DIAGNOSTICS

Diagnosis usually based on clinical signs.

Consider underlying disease (persistently infected with BVD) or foreign body.

TREATMENT

Procaine penicillin is preferred. Oxytetracycline is suitable alternative.

Severe cases may require tracheotomy.

DURATION OF THERAPY

5 days of procaine penicillin or 2 doses of long acting oxytetracycline (3 days apart) is generally sufficient.

NEONATAL SEPTICAEMIA

DIAGNOSTICS

Diagnosis is generally made from clinical signs.

Consider bacterial aetiology (enteritis, omphalophlebitis/naval ill) or failure of passive transfer

TREATMENT

Oxytetracycline can be used but care should be taken with hypovolaemic animals as renal toxicity can occur. Trimethoprim / sulphonamide is a suitable alternative.

DURATION OF THERAPY

5-7 days may be sufficient in uncomplicated disease. Longer durations are necessary when omphalophlebitis or septic arthritis develop. Up to 2 weeks may be necessary.