Detect Sick Cattle Early – Know the Symptoms

Identifying a sick calf early can make the difference between life and death. When treated early, most calves have an excellent chance at survival. However, if a calf is sick for even a few days, treatment regimens are less likely to be effective, resulting in a chronically ill or even dead calf. Knowing the symptoms of early illness can make a big difference.

"It is critical to recognize a sick calf, especially early on. All of the drugs in the world won't work if no one knows the calf is sick," says Dr. John Lynch, a veterinary consultant. Starting a calf on a treatment regimen late one afternoon instead of the next day could make a big impact on his recovery, according to YourCattle.com.

When identifying a sick calf, Dr. Bob Bohlender, a veterinarian in North Platte, Nebraska, says there are several things to look for when identifying a sick calf. "Often a calf will hang back away from the others the day before he shows other symptoms," says Bohlender.

A sick calf is typically listless, droopy and non-responsive, according to Lynch. "He might lay down and not want to get up. Or if the pen has just been fed, he won't eat with other cattle." The calf might also stand near the water, but rarely drink.

"Notice his appearance," says Lynch. "Watch for dull eyes and a droopy head. He may or may not cough or have a nasal or eye discharge."

A calf may also hold his neck stretched out and appear dehydrated, says Dr. Blane Lowe, Senior Veterinarian with Pfizer Animal Health. "Look for the degree of fill," he says. A calf that is not eating or drinking will be sunken in behind the ribs, especially on the left side.
"Some cattle will slobber," says Bohlender, "while others will have some edema, or swelling, under the jaw. Edema is typical of a calf with BRSV."

As the air temperature increases, so will the symptoms. "Heat adds an additional stress, even on healthy cattle," says Lowe. "But a sick calf carrying a degree of lung disease will look even worse." Due to the heat, sick cattle are usually easiest to find first thing in the morning. "Once they are jostled around, they are harder to detect."

The key to recovery is early detection. Being attuned to know what to look for helps insure a sick calf will be identified when it first shows symptoms.