Hi I have a 9 day old calf I got it at 3 days old, it got colostrum at almost 2 days old. 5 days ago it started scouring, yesterday it started having bloody scours, I had to tube feed it in the morning, and I gave it a shot of Exceed (vet told me to) That evening it took me an hour to get 3 pints down it via bottle. Today it stood up wouldn't take the bottle. So had to tube it, it stood there not seeming to care, this evening it fought me tubing it, still won't suck ,and if I put milk in his mouth he lets it run back out, doesn't swallow, unless i hold his head straight up. Now It's poo looks like yellow water. No blood.
Help please Sick Calf
- Thread starter Hereford2
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Silver
Well-known member
Sulfa bolus (Calfspan or some such), electrolytes, and Resflor usually bring them around. The colostrum he got wouldn't have done him any good at 2 days of age so he could be a problem calf going forward.
Katpau
Well-known member
When they are scouring bad, the milk replacer can make things worse. I would recommend tubing him with a prepared electrolyte mixture. There are a number of them designed for that exact purpose. Your Vet can recommend one. He may have some to sell or you can get it at most farm stores. The Vet should be able to talk you through how to use the electrolyte mixture. I would suggest at least the next two feedings. Never mix the electrolye product with the milk replacer and be sure there is time enough between feeding the different products.
Unfortunately the calf needed to get the colostrum within the first 24 hours. Only for the first 24 hours can it absorb whole antibodies through its small intestine wall. It still provided good nutrition though.
Unfortunately the calf needed to get the colostrum within the first 24 hours. Only for the first 24 hours can it absorb whole antibodies through its small intestine wall. It still provided good nutrition though.
No problem. They dehydrate quickly at that age. May need IV fluids. Keep the calf warm because they drop body temp quickly too. Keep in mind this calf didn't get the boost from colostrum that it needed, so you may be fighting a real uphill battle. Best of luck
Katpau
Well-known member
While simple electrolytes are very helpful, you can also get ones that include a nutritional supplement that is specifically designed for scouring calves. I keep one on hand called Electrolyte H.E. from Pfizer. It adds protein and minerals as an energy source. I needed to get it from a Vet as it is labeled for "Veterinary use only". It comes in a package with two compartments and must be mixed together just before use. The Vet told me it was designed to not only re-hydrate and replace electrolytes, but to also dry up the runny poop and replace some of the nutrition you are missing once you stop the milk. It must be fed alone. Never mix it with the milk. It has done wonders here.
MRRherefords
Well-known member
I agree about the IV fluids. You are right they dehydrate very fast at that age. We had one this year needed some IV fluids as it was dehydrated due to severe scours. That gave her enough strength to nurse, then we gave sulfa pills which cleared her up quick.bball":q8o7n6k1 said:
boondocks
Well-known member
Hereford2":3ivhhxa2 said:
sorry to hear that!
Nesikep
Well-known member
that sucks, sorry to hear
