Post by Tammy on Jun 26, 2008 11:50:13 GMT -5
I have a calf that is approximately three months old. He loves to go under the elctric wire and escape into the hay field/corn field. He is suppose to go to a new home soon, and I thought it was a good time to wean him. He has had some loose stools from time to time in the past, but nothing serious, as he got over them on his own. I noticed prior to separating him from his mother, that he had a dirty backside, but nothing terrible. I have had him in a section by himself at the barn for three days now. He bawled for mom with gusto for two days but is more quiet today, only bawling from time to time. I noticed that his loose stools seem to be getting more frequent. They are normal in color/smell. There does not appear to be any blood or anything unusual in them. There is a bit of substance to them.........meaning they are not completey watery, although very close. I have been feeding him hay with a bit of grain. I am thinking maybe the grain is too much right now and I should just feed him the hay. I am also looking for possible causes of the loose stools.......
Here is what I read on one particular website I was looking at written by DVM with the University of Nebraska:
"Scours can be caused by many sources, including rotavirus, coronavirus and bovine virus diarrhea; bacteria such as Escherichia coli (Colibacillosis), Salmonella and Enterotoxemia; or other causes like Coccidiosis, Cryptosporidium and nutritional scours, which can be caused by anything that disrupts normal eating habits, such as a storm, strong wind or the mother going off hunting for new grass. "
Also, on the web site it states:
"Treatment for scours is similar regardless of the cause and should focus on correcting the dehydration, acidosis and electrolyte loss. "
It goes on to give some home remedies for providing electrolytes:
. Combine 1 can beef consomme, 1 package fruit pectin (Sure Jell or Pen Jel), 2 teaspoons low sodium salt (Morton Lite Salt), 2 teaspoons baking soda, and add enough warm water to total 2 quarts.
2. Combine 1 can beef consomme, 3 cans warm water, and 1 heaping tablespoon baking soda.
3. Combine 1 tablespoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, and 250 cc (8 ounces) 50% dextrose or 8 ounces light Karo syrup, and add enough warm water to total 1 gallon.
Do not overfeed! Administer up to 1 quart of any of these three solutions every three to four hours, depending upon the degree of dehydration and fluid loss. These solutions can be used as the only source of nutrients for a period of 24 to 48 hours
My calf does not seem to be critical at this point, but I do not want him to get critical.
So, would you all suggest one of the electrolyte solutions? He has access to fresh water right now but maybe I should be proactive with this? Also, I have in my emergency medical bag some Oral Rehydration Salts for humans. Could that be added to the water? The packet says: Sodium Chloride 3.5 g., Potassium Chloride 1.5 g., Trisodium Citrate, dihydrate 2.9g, Glucose Anhydrous 20.0 g.
He does not affected in anyway at this point other than the loose stools. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Tammy
Here is what I read on one particular website I was looking at written by DVM with the University of Nebraska:
"Scours can be caused by many sources, including rotavirus, coronavirus and bovine virus diarrhea; bacteria such as Escherichia coli (Colibacillosis), Salmonella and Enterotoxemia; or other causes like Coccidiosis, Cryptosporidium and nutritional scours, which can be caused by anything that disrupts normal eating habits, such as a storm, strong wind or the mother going off hunting for new grass. "
Also, on the web site it states:
"Treatment for scours is similar regardless of the cause and should focus on correcting the dehydration, acidosis and electrolyte loss. "
It goes on to give some home remedies for providing electrolytes:
. Combine 1 can beef consomme, 1 package fruit pectin (Sure Jell or Pen Jel), 2 teaspoons low sodium salt (Morton Lite Salt), 2 teaspoons baking soda, and add enough warm water to total 2 quarts.
2. Combine 1 can beef consomme, 3 cans warm water, and 1 heaping tablespoon baking soda.
3. Combine 1 tablespoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, and 250 cc (8 ounces) 50% dextrose or 8 ounces light Karo syrup, and add enough warm water to total 1 gallon.
Do not overfeed! Administer up to 1 quart of any of these three solutions every three to four hours, depending upon the degree of dehydration and fluid loss. These solutions can be used as the only source of nutrients for a period of 24 to 48 hours
My calf does not seem to be critical at this point, but I do not want him to get critical.
So, would you all suggest one of the electrolyte solutions? He has access to fresh water right now but maybe I should be proactive with this? Also, I have in my emergency medical bag some Oral Rehydration Salts for humans. Could that be added to the water? The packet says: Sodium Chloride 3.5 g., Potassium Chloride 1.5 g., Trisodium Citrate, dihydrate 2.9g, Glucose Anhydrous 20.0 g.
He does not affected in anyway at this point other than the loose stools. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Tammy