Trouble shooting calf disease and illness

SYMPTOMSPOSSIBLE CAUSES
Reluctant to standInjury, joint ill (navel infection) Diarrhoea?
Swollen navelNavel infection? Hernia? Pizzle sucking?
Reluctant to drink – slow drinkingInfectious disease in general, mouth injury (tubing rub), unpalatable milk or meal? Poor teat quality?
Scours – nutritionalWhite or yellow faeces, normal temperature
Scours – infectiousFoul smelling faeces, mucousy, watery, yellow/brown or bloody? Temperature elevated
Blood in faecesCan be normal in first 3 days
Coughing or rapid respirationRespiratory infection from poor ventilation or pathogens
ShiveringCold, wet or draughty conditions? Feeding cold milk? Inadequate shelter?
Kicking at the bellyAbdominal pain, peritonitis, ulcers, twisted bowel? Indigestion – overfeeding, cold milk, gorging. Poor quality milk or meal?
BloatCold milk feeding – milk into rumen? Overdrinking/gorging? Young fresh grass? Clostridia?
SalivationHigh fever? Mouth lesions, injured jaw? Ulcers/abscesses?
Teeth grindingScours present? Can indicate abdominal pain? Lack of fibre in diet? Boredom?
Pizzle suckingLow volume feeding, unsatisfied sucking instinct, lack of water?
Hair lossOften follows scours. Excessive cold and wet? Lice in covered calves? Fungal skin conditions?
Dairy Farming animal nutrition

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