TREATING DIARRHOEA
TIPS ON TREATING DIARRHOEA IN CALVES AND LAMBS
- Most cases of diarrhoea occur on third and tenth day of age. The first is usually due to stress, and the second of insufficient colostrum.
- As preventative treatment, especially calves from heifers or young ewes, as well as youngsters from an unknown source, colostrums can be replenished by administrating of BIOMEL&COLOSTRUM* for calves, and BIOGLOBIN* for lambs.
- Diarrhoea related to FEEDING can be rectified by a correction of the volume of milk feeding. (for calves calculate 10% of mass in litres, divide in 3 feedings) (for lambs give 50ml for each kilogram of live mass per feeding, 3 to 4 feedings a day)
- If diarrhoea has just started, reduce volume of milk feeding, ensure no water is available ad lib, and dose BIOREM* dry on the tongue. If it does not clear up soon, follow treatment for viral/bacterial infection.
- Diarrhoea that occurs later may be bacterial, usually E. coli, but in many cases a secondary infection after a virus infection.
- A viral infection can not be treated other than the animals own defence system. Additional supportive treatment with TRANSPOSIN, still an unregistered product, only available as custom mix.
- Severe bacterial infections can only be treated with antibiotics, but dehydrated calves (eyes sunk in eye-pit, skin not flattening within 2 seconds when pinched) have to be administered with electrolyte for 2 consecutive days, 1 litre 3 times per day. Treat with antibiotic preventative for secondary pneumonia as per prescription.
- Provide milk feeding gradually from electrolyte feeding and ensure volume is correct.
- Water can only by supplied controlled during first 2 weeks by keeping the volume same as milk feeding at midday.
