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[Chronic indigestion in milk-fed calves]
Schweizer Archiv Fur Tierheilkunde
|September 29, 1999
Summary
Chronic indigestion in calves causes poor health and ruminal acidosis. Treatment involves sodium bicarbonate, transfaunation, and electrolytes for improved calf health.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Physiology
- Ruminant Health
Context:
- Chronic indigestion in calves presents with distinct clinical signs including poor general condition, appetite loss, and characteristic clay-like feces.
- Associated physiological disturbances include ruminal and metabolic acidosis, with potential causes like esophageal groove dysfunction or abnormal ruminal motility.
- Acidosis severity correlates with calf mobility, being more pronounced in non-ambulatory animals.
Purpose:
- To outline the clinical presentation and underlying pathophysiology of chronic indigestion in calves.
- To identify key etiological factors contributing to the condition.
- To describe current therapeutic strategies for managing chronic indigestion in calves.
Summary:
- Calves with chronic indigestion exhibit signs like poor attitude, reduced appetite, hair loss, clay-colored feces, and ruminal/metabolic acidosis.
- Etiologies may involve esophageal groove reflex dysfunction, abomasal reflux into the rumen, and impaired ruminal motility.
- Metabolic acidosis is more severe in non-standing calves. Treatment includes intravenous sodium bicarbonate, rumen transfaunation, and oral electrolytes.
Impact:
- Provides a concise overview of a significant calf health issue.
- Highlights the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment for calf welfare.
- Informs veterinary practitioners on managing complex gastrointestinal and metabolic disorders in young cattle.