SIMPLE DIARRHEA IN CALVES 65 



SIMPLE DIARRHEA IN CALVES 



Diarrhea in a simple or sporadic form occurs in 

 calves during the first few weeks of life. It may 

 appear as early as two or three days after birth; 

 most commonly at the end of the first w^eek or ten 

 days. 



The bowel evacuations are performed at short in- 

 tervals, the feces having a very light yellow color 

 and considerable odor. When the disease has been 

 active for twenty-four or forty-eight hours the calf 

 has a dejected appearance, is listless, and does not 

 move about much. In some cases there are slight 

 colir^ky pains. 



If the disease is not checked the calf rapidly loses 

 strength, lies down almost constantly and dies, having 

 lingered for several days in an exhausted cachectic 

 condition. 



The treatment of this condition is followed by 

 prompt and satisfactory results if the case is taken in 

 hand while the patient is yet vigorous. Neglected cases 

 frequently die in spite of the most careful nursing 

 and judicious treatment. 



Calves which have just been attacked with diarrhea 

 are given a few large doses of intestinal antiseptics. 

 We have had most excellent results from the triple 

 sulpho-earbolates: zinc, sodium and calcium. Calves 

 up to two weeks old we give two thirty-grain tablets 

 at one dose, and repeat the same in about four hours. 

 This is usually all that is required. 



When a case has been neglected until the calf has 

 abdominal pains and has become listless and weak, 

 the treatment requires more care. The calf must be 

 provided with warm quarters, and if the abdomen is 



