Sykes Vet International

Sykes Vet International 27 Healey Rd Dandenong Victoria 3164 Australia Phone +61 3 9706 4913 Fax +61 3 9706 4914

Calf Scours

Scours can be a problem for anyone rearing calves. Calf scouring is the most common symptom of illness in young calves and is usually a problem in the first month of life. Although more common in hand-reared calves, it can also occur in calves which are being suckled by their mothers. Scours cause dehydration of the animal, weight loss, slow animal growth, and if not addressed quickly, can cause death in some animals.

It also creates an unhygienic environment in your calf-rearing area, allowing spread of bacteria and disease. Try to determine the cause of scouring-it can be caused by a milk formula change, stress or a range of organisms such as salmonella, cryptosporidia, coccidia, rotavirus or even worms in older animals. Observe the colour of the stools and any other symptoms.

An infectious disease may need treatment with antibiotics; if you are concerned, contact your vet. Antibiotics should only be used on veterinary advice, as they may result in meat residues which require calves to be withheld from sale until residues are cleared. Check the withholding period stated on the label.

Here are some practical suggestions:

q	If you have a number of animals to rear, arrange your shed or yard so you can isolate sick animals from clean ones. You might need portable fences or yards for this.
q	Ensure you are providing a warm and dry area for the calves.
q	Have a supply of electrolytes on hand.
q	Have a disinfectant ready for cleaning.
q	If scours occur, thoroughly disinfect the shed floor, water vessels, and feeders where healthy calves are kept and continue feeding as usual.

For the sick animals:

q	Ensure they are dry and warm and their area is clean.
q	Separate use of feeding utensils, bottles and feeders. Have one set for the scouring calves and one for the clean animals, or thoroughly disinfect between uses.
q	Get them straight onto an electrolyte.
q	Observe them individually and watch for other symptoms.
q	Have clean water available at all times.
q	Wash your hands before and after feeding sick calves, both to protect yourself from disease and limit the spread of the problem.

Treatment of scours should aim to replace lost body fluids, correct electrolyte imbalance and supply energy. Electrolyte therapy is the first step in treating calves with diarrhoea. Even if antibiotics were prescribed, an oral electrolyte such as Rudduck Megalyte should be used.

Megalyte contains high levels of soluble nutrient and electrolytes which supply glucose and replace sodium and chloride where levels are low. It also restores balance to the digestive system and prevents further fluid loss and dehydration. A seriously dehydrated animal is almost impossible to restore to normal health without the help of a vet. Megalyte Plus would usually produce a firm stool within 24 hours.

Article reproduced courtesy of The Weekly Times May 2006

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