My Calf is scouring, is there anything I can do to stop this?

Author: Aussie Vet Products   Date Posted:5 November 2013 

Helen Writes:

My calf is scouring, is there anything I can do to stop this?

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Hi Helen,

Thanks for your email.

With young calves up to 2 weeks of age I would recommend he following to stop the scouring.

  1. Reduce the milk intake while the scouring is occurring from 4 litres per day to 2 Litres per day.  The milk that is given also needs to be diluted to 50% milk and 50% water, given warm to the calf.
  2. Start an electrolyte supplement such as lectade immediately and give at least 2 litres per day until scouring has stopped.
  3. Make sure that clean water is made available at all times to your calf. Many people aren’t aware that young calves actually still drink water even though they are being fed milk.
  4. Gradually begin to increase milk intake as the calf’s condition continues to improve.

 

If your calf is not improving, or is too weak to stand up I would highly recommend seeking attention from your local vet who will administer antibiotics and give Intravenous fluids.

If your calf is older than 4 weeks intestinal parasites may also be a reason for the scouring. I would recommend worming your calf with a broad spectrum treatment such as Dectomax.

Thanks,

Dr Simon