Common Cattle Diseases and Treatments

By Eve H. Honeycutt

Extension Livestock Agent, Lenoir and Greene Counties

There are many common cattle diseases that occur in eastern North Carolina cow/calf herds.  Below is a discussion of two of these diseases, possible treatments, and advice on veterinary care.

PINKEYE

Pinkeye is one of the most common diseases in cattle.  It can affect all ages of cattle and it is highly contagious.  Multiple strains of bacteria can cause the disease, and it can be difficult to determine which one is the culprit in your herd.  In the early stages of pinkeye, the animal will be very sensitive to light, and you may see a bluish spot on the lens of the eye, followed by watery discharge.  Once the animal has pinkeye, it will be bothered easily by vectors such as flies, dust, and tall grass seedheads. 

Treating Pinkeye:

Pinkeye can be treated with over the counter medication such as LA-200 or penicillin.  If these treatments do not improve the eye, a vet should tend to the eye in order for the animal to recover.  Over the counter treatments or home remedies that involve powder, sprays, or salt should not be used due to the irritating nature of these products.  Cancer eye should not be confused with pinkeye, since cancer eye is much more serious and usually is first noticed by lumps or bumps growing around the eye.  Animals with cancer eye or pinkeye should not be taken to a stockyard in order to safeguard the human food supply and prevent other animals from contracting the diseases. 

CALF DIARRHEA/SCOURS

Calf scours is one of the most common diseases in newborn calves.  Contrary to popular belief, it is impossible to tell what bacteria is affecting the animal based solely on the color of the feces.  However, a good guess can be made about the possible bacteria present based on other factors.  If the scours occurs in a calf less than 10 days old, the bacteria present is probably E. Coli, Rotavirus, or Coronavirus.  Cryptosporidium is a protozoa that can cause scours in calves at 5-35 days of age.  Salmonella is severe bloody diarrhea and a high body temperature.  Calves less than 21 days old will not be troubled by Coccidia because of the incubation period of the disease in the calf’s body.  When treating calf scours, it is important for the animal to continue to drink (or be forced to drink) milk to prevent further dehydration and provide adequate nutrition.  Because of the diarrhea, metabolic acidosis may occur which will cause the animal to breathe heavily.  If the calf is lying on the ground and willing to accept your intervention, then it should be treated.  If the animal readily gets up to follow its mother, even with diarrhea, then it will most likely recover quickly.

Treating Calf Scours (Clell V. Bagley, DVM, Extension Veterinarian, Utah State University):

There are a variety of fluid and electrolyte formulas available and most will work to some extent. Consult with your veterinarian about his choice and why. If the products are not working, re-evaluate with him again. Some formulas also contain a gel substance which helps to add bulk and may absorb some toxins (poisons) from the gut. Most calves with scours tend to be acidotic (their system is too acid). It will help these calves to receive electrolytes that are alkaline (basic) in nature for 24–36 hours. After that they should be changed to non-alkaline electrolytes.

If being used with or near milk feeding, an acetate form should be used. If this is not a problem them bicarbonate or lactate can be used. The use of systemic antibiotics by injection may also be of benefit if a bacterial infection has become generalized in the calf’s body. The major problem encountered in treatment with fluids and electrolytes is that producers give too little, too late. Plan to give 2 qts., 2–4 times per day. Determine the frequency of treatment needed by the amount of dehydration present; this is evidenced by sinking of the eyes and elasticity of skin on the neck and withers. Don’t mix the fluid and electrolytes with milk; that prevents curd formation and the milk is then of no benefit. If you are feeding milk, wait for 15–20 minutes before giving the fluid and electrolytes.