Calf Diarrhea Clinical Review

Vocabulary flashcards covering clinical signs, diagnostic methods, age differentials, and treatment guidelines for calf diarrhea based on lecture notes.

Classic Presentation of Calf Diarrhea

A $2-10\text{-day}$ old calf presenting with diarrhea, lethargy, depression, hypothermia, and sepsis.

E. coli Diarrhea Presentation Age

Most commonly presents in calves less than $5\text{ days}$ old.

Viral Calf Diarrhea Presentation Age

Most common during the first week of life.

Salmonellosis and Cryptosporidiosis Presentation Age

Most common cause of calf diarrhea at $2-3\text{ weeks}$ of age.

Salmonella spp. Diagnostic Method

Culture or PCR on stool; may need to repeat due to intermittent shedding.

Giardia spp. Diagnostic Method

Fecal flotation with direct smear and/or immunoassays.

Cryptosporidia Diagnostic Method

Fecal flotation with acid fast stain and/or immunoassays.

BVD Diagnostic Method

PCR on ear tissue or blood.

Rotavirus Diagnostic Method

Fecal RotazymeⓇ test.

Coronavirus Diagnostic Method

Fluorescent antibody tests on duodenal jejunal samples.

Intravenous Fluid Therapy (IVF) Criteria

Indicated if the calf is over 5-7\text{\textpercent} dehydrated and very sick; type determined based on pH status/base deficit (usually sodium bicarbonate with dextrose).

Enteral Fluid Therapy Criteria

Indicated if the calf is less than 5-7\text{\textpercent} dehydrated; consists of electrolyte replacer and milk.

Colostrum Feeding Standard

Feeding $1\text{ gallon}$ of good quality colostrum per $100\text{ lb}$ calf in the first feed.

Normal Passive Transfer Serum Total Protein Level

Refractometer serum total protein over $5.5\text{ gm/dL}$ on day $2-7$ of life.

Etiology of Diarrhea Outbreaks

Most outbreaks of diarrhea in calves are caused by a combination of pathogens.