Bull calf coughing!

[TLM1988]

Hey all!! I have a 375 lbs char/angus cross bull calf that coughs and hacks but only while eating. He does it with feed and hay. 30-45 min after he eats he seems fine. Also when he's eating it seems his breathing is heavier than when he's resting. Anybody ever had this in a calf? What treatment could be used?
Tips and advice are greatly appreciated thanks!!!

 

[TCRanch]

Is this a new thing or has he always done it? I would check inside his mouth to make sure he doesn't have an obstruction or sore. And I would also take his temp to rule out pneumonia.

 

[TLM1988]

He's always had the labored breathing when he's eating. Last week or 2 it sounds like he's trying to clear his throat more while eating. I can look down his mouth and see. My neighbor who runs several feeder cattle a year recommended 5 ml of dexmethasone for 3 days, for inflammation just in case he has an abscess or sore

 

[gcreekrch]

Dex yes and a Draxxin in case of anything else.

 

[TLM1988]

Dex yes and a Draxxin in case of anything else.

I have nuflor on hand is that ok?

 

[gcreekrch]

Dex yes and a Draxxin in case of anything else.

I have nuflor on hand is that ok?

Better than nothing for a possible respiratory problem.

 

[Silver]

Nuflor should be good, I'd add Metacam while I was at it. Or use Resflor

 

[GoWyo]

Diphtheria? Does he have a foul odor to his breath?

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/respiratory-system/respiratory-diseases-of-cattle/necrotic-laryngitis-in-cattle

 

[TLM1988]

Diphtheria? Does he have a foul odor to his breath?

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/respiratory-system/respiratory-diseases-of-cattle/necrotic-laryngitis-in-cattle

Didn't seem to have a foul odor.. going to temp and check his mouth this afternoon.

 

[Jeanne - Simme Valley]

Temperature will tell you a lot.
Could just be dusty feed. Some have a harder time with dust.

 

[TLM1988]

Checked temperature it was 102.8.. throat looked to be clear of obstruction. No foul odor. Vet said to start the dexmethesone every 24 hours for 3 days. Hopefully that will clear him up. I'm new on this respiratory stuff as I've had good luck in the past with feeders. Guess it's just my time to learn!! Thanks again

 

[darcelina4]

If he has a fever why would he recommend dex instead of antibiotics? I could understand together but a fever indicates infection. DeX alone will encourage the infection to grow rather than halt it