Questions for Vicky or any vet

[Rancher6]

Vicky, What are some of the side affects of giving Dexamethasone to sick calves that are ony a week or two old?
Would you use it only as a last resort? What is dosage for small calf? If you use it to induce labor how will it affect the calf? Will the lutalyse or estrumate used to induce affect the calf also? What about a bull calf? I am kinda afraid to use the Dex. Dad always said it causes more problems than it does good and to only use it as a last resort. I guess I need a lesson in the uses, dosage, and side affects? Thanks

 

[Vicky the vet]

Side effects include decreased immune function, spiking of blood glucose, decreased healing, increased thirst and urination. Having said that, it will also punch holes in the abomasum on occasion as well. It can also founder animals.

To induce labour you use 25mg (not ml, mg) of dex. There will be no negative effect on the calf. Estrumate/lutalyse etc are prostaglandins and also have no lasting effects on the calves.

How much dex to use on a calf a week old? Why use it? The chances of a sick calf having pre-existing abomasal ulceration preclude its use for me unless they're going downhill fast. Others have different opinions.

 

[Rancher6]

Thanks, That is what I need to know.