Scours and pneumonia are the twin challenges of every calf raiser, especially heading into winter. However, early detection along with proven interventions, will help many calves pull through temporary setbacks and thrive.
. . . supportive care is more valuable than antibiotics.” – Pamela Ruegg, DVM, MPVM
Source: Dairy Herd Management, November 3, 2021. Link. Develop sick-calf care and treatment protocols collaboratively with the herd veterinarian. Antibiotics should only be administered according to the veterinarian’s prescribed dose, frequency, route of administration, and duration of therapy.
Note: Tips for staging the severity of illness; recognizing very early symptoms; and preventing diseases from occurring, University of Kentucky. Link.
Also see: Take the “stress” out of caring for cold stressed calves*, Dairy Herd Management, October 28, 2019. Link. Just like people, calves attempt to maintain a constant body temperature regardless of the outside temperature. Within a certain range of temperatures called the thermoneutral zone, calves can maintain body temperature without needing extra energy.