- Treatment of diarrhea in calves
1- Rehydration and Electrolyte Replacement
- Oral
Rehydration Solutions (ORS):
- Given
frequently to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
- Should
contain sodium, potassium, chloride, glucose, and bicarbonate or acetate.
- Given in
mild cases of calf diarrhea
- Intravenous
Fluids:
- Used in
severely dehydrated calves who cannot drink or are in shock.
- Control
of acidosis by sodium bicarbonate IV solution.
2-Nutritional Support
- Continue
Feeding (mild cases):
- Calves
should continue to receive milk or milk replacer to provide energy.
- Feed
smaller, more frequent meals if necessary.
- Withholding
Milk:
- In severe
cases, milk may be withheld for 12-24 hours while providing electrolytes,
then gradually reintroduced.
3- Antimicrobial Therapy
- Antibiotics:
- Used if a
bacterial infection is confirmed or strongly suspected.
- Broad-spectrum
antibiotics are commonly used, but targeted therapy is preferred based on
culture and sensitivity results.
- Probiotics:
- Can help
restore normal gut flora and improve recovery.
4-Antiparasitic/ antiprotozoal therapy
o
Broad
spectrum antiparasitic drugs must be used (thiabendazole, ivermectin).
o
Halofuginone
and azithromycin have efficacy in calves with diarrhea due to Cryptosporidium
parvum, and their administration should be considered in calves documented or
suspected to have cryptosporidiosis.
o
For
coccidiosis: Toltrazuril and diclazuril can be used for both treatment and
prophylaxis of coccidiosis.
5-Anti-inflammatory Medications
- Non-Steroidal
Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs):
- Used to
reduce fever, inflammation, and discomfort in sick calves.
- Must be
used under careful veterinary attention due to potential side effects.