How to Recognize and Treat Calf Scours

Calves are prone to a condition called scours, or diarrhea, early in life. Scours signal that there is an underlying condition or infection, and it must be caught early to prevent serious problems and even death.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• stomach tube or esophageal feeder
• electrolytes
• Probios or another bovine probiotic
• phone number of your cattle vet

1. 
    
   If a calf is lying down more than usual, check him for signs of illness.

   SYMPTOMS
   
   A calf that has (or is about to have) scours will show some or all of these symptoms:
   * Diarrhea (i.e. wet hindquarters and puddles of liquid manure)
   * Depression and dullness
   * Lethargy and weakness
   * Dehydration: dry gums, less elastic skin, sunken eyes
   
   These are signs that you need to take action to prevent a worsening of your calf's condition.

2. 
    
   Esophageal Feeder

   TREATMENT
   
   A) Isolation
   First, separate the sick calf (and its mom, if applicable) from the rest of the herd. This will prevent further contamination and illness. It's hard to know at first whether or not an episode of scours is contagious, but you're better safe than sorry in this case!
   
   B) Milk Replacer
   If this is a bottle-fed calf, he may be scouring due to overly concentrated milk replacer. Cut the concentration of milk replacer in half and add electrolytes to the bottle. For instance, if you have been mixing 4 scoops of milk replacer powder with 1 quart of water, switch to 2 scoops powder + 1 quart water + 1 packet electrolytes (or the amount specified on the electrolyte package).
   
   C) Fluids and Electrolytes
   Give fluids and electrolytes every 6 to 8 hours until the calf is eating and drinking normally and seems bright and alert again. Use a stomach tube or esophageal feeder - or, in the case of a bottle calf, give it straight from the bottle unless he's too weak to nurse. Contact your vet if you are not familiar with using any of these tools.
   
   D) Probiotic
   A probiotic, or direct-fed microbial, is important to provide the "good" bacteria that are lost from the gut in cases of scours. Probios is one brand that we've used with good results in our calves and older cows. Give one dose twice daily until manure has returned to normal.

3. 
    
   Antibiotic

   ANTIBIOTICS
   
   If the calf has not improved significantly within 24 hours, the scours may be due to a non-dietary cause such as bacteria, viruses, or protozoa and require further treatment. We have had good luck with a combination of reduced milk replacer concentration, electrolytes and fluids, a probiotic, and a shot of antibiotics at the first sign of scours.
   
   However, the specific antibiotic that will be effective for your cattle varies based on what organisms your herd is susceptible to; contact your vet to determine which antibiotic to give.

4. 
    
   A clean pasture is crucial for raising healthy calves

   PREVENTION
   
   Anyone who has dealt with scours knows the importance of taking steps to prevent it!
   
   * Provide a clean environment and shelter from bad weather
   * Provide clean drinking water at all times
   * Vaccinate your calves early - consult your vet for which vaccines to give
   * Monitor newborn calves often for signs of illness

Tips & Warnings

• Check on newborn calves, especially orphan calves, several times a day for the first few weeks of life. Signs of illness can show up and result in death within 24 hours if left untreated.