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Diarrhea and Enteritis in Calves

"last update:8 Dec 2024"  

- 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.