Treating calf scours with Dr. Chris Clark

Dr. Chris Clark, an internal medicine specialist from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine joins the podcast to discuss how best to treat neonatal diarrhea in calves.  We discuss how to detect dehydration and acidosis in an affected calf and the best ways to utilize oral electrolytes.  We also discuss when a calf will need intravenous therapy and the limited value of antibiotic therapy.  Check out the great resources on the Calf 911 section of the BCRC website for more information.

https://www.beefresearch.ca/producers/calf-911-resources/

00:00 – Welcome and introductions

02:33 – Preventing calf scours is the best option

06:02 - Causes of calf scours

08:58 – Assessing hydration in a calf 

14:36 – Acidosis

20:43 – How to utilize oral electrolytes

25:31 – What to look for in an electrolyte solution

29:18 – Antibiotics are of limited value for scours therapy

31:39 – Summary and wrap up