Vet Info-H • Sep–Dec 2023 • Vol 11 • No. 4 15 Calf Diarrhea Vet's Concern Introduction Calf diarrhea, also known as calf scour or colibacillosis, is a common infectious, acute disease characterized by diarrhea, dehydration, and death, in severe cases, after a brief period. This could be one of the causes for huge economic losses. Calves aged < 3 weeks are most susceptible to mixed infections by enteropathogens. Causes Calf diarrhea is a complex condition with multifactorial etiology, including environmental factors and inappropriate management practices. Many bacteria (eg, K99 + Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp, and Clostridium spp), viruses (eg, rotavirus, coronavirus, parvovirus, and BVD virus), and protozoa (eg, Coccidia and Phycomycetes) infect the lumen of the intestine, resulting in decreased nutrient absorption from milk. Calves with low level of serum immunoglobulins due to insufficient colostrum consumption are also most susceptible to such infections. Symptoms Clinical signs of calf diarrhea include a rise in body temperature (up to 105°F) and pulse rate; tachycardia; abdominal distension (fluid-filled) and pain; dehydration; dullness and weakness; restlessness; sunken eyes; rough hair coat; pale mucosa; and wetness around the mouth. Further, the feces become intestinal tract because of yellow watery contents and gas; distension of the abomasum with fluid, with or without milk; small hemorrhages in the abomasal mucosa; and stunted or fused villi in the jejunum and the ileum. Histological findings may show bacterial colonization in the ileum. Treatment Calf diarrhea can be treated by making appropriate changes in the diet; isolating the infected calves; maintaining hygiene in the pens; administering electrolytes, a mixture of isotonic saline, and fluid therapy for preventing dehydration; and treating them with antibiotics (gentamicin), antiprotozoals (metronidazole), antidiarrheals (eg, Diarex Vet Bolus), and antiparasympathomimetics (eg, benzetimide, with antisecretory property), which help protect the lumen from various infective agents. Sources: Chakrabarti A. Textbook of Clinical Veterinary Medicine. 3 ed. Uttar Pradesh, India: Kalyani Publications; 2007:422–427. Sharma RD, et al. Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Epidemiology. New Delhi, India: Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Publications; 2010:675–683. watery or pasty, usually chalky white to yellow, and often streaked. Also, the calves frequently defecate, which is bloody, mucoid, offensive, and rancid smelling. Soiled tail and buttocks and collapse of superficial veins are also features of calf diarrhea. In severe cases, death may occur due to lactic acidosis, electrolyte imbalance, and dehydration (hypovolemic shock). Diagnosis Calf diarrhea is primarily diagnosed through clinical signs. Fecal samples can be examined for parasitic infestation, either through a culture test or running a PCR. Further, bacteriological examination of fecal samples for the presence of gram-negative enterobacteria can be done through a gram staining test. Postmortem Examination Findings Postmortem examination shows dehydration; distension of the
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