To the inexperienced observer, calves can appear healthy one day and be on death’s door the next.
Though there may not be obvious warnings of illness, a trained eye will detect subtle changes that signal illness. Early detection of disease means early treatment, which in turn has economic benefits, because calves that are treated early stand a better chance of recovery.
Examination of a calf begins with observation from a distance because if you get close, the calf will be stressed and change its behaviour. Is it sluggish compared to the other calves? Is it huddled in a corner away from the others? Are its ears down? Is it not getting up to nurse as often as you’d expect?
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Next, look for physical changes. Is the calf’s gut hollowed in (not eating)? Is its back roached (abdominal pain)? Is it breathing fast (lung problem)?
It’s then time to do a thorough physical examination, from nose to tail. It is important to be systematic and to be observant so that nothing is missed.
A healthy calf’s nose is cool and pink inside. Look up the nostril. Use a flashlight in poorly lit environments. If the nasal lining is hot, red or inflamed, the calf may have a respiratory disease such as pneumonia. Normal nasal secretions are clear. If they are cloudy, an infection is probably present. A blood-tinged secretion could be due to trauma or indicate a serious infection.
Lift the calf’s lip and check its gums. They should be pink and warm. Coldness or abnormal colour, such as gray, purple or white, could indicate impaired circulation.
Press a finger firmly on the calf’s gum for a few seconds. This blanches the gum, turning it temporarily white. When you release your finger, blood will return to the gum. The normal colour should return in less than three seconds. If it takes longer, it could indicate blood loss or dehydration. The latter can be checked by running a finger along the calf’s gum. If it feels tacky rather than moist, the calf is dehydrated.
While examining the mouth, check for a hole in its palate. When a calf with a cleft palate suckles, the hole allows milk to enter its nasal cavity. The milk will either come out the calf’s nose or enter its lungs, leading to pneumonia.
If a calf is dehydrated or has lost a significant amount of weight, its eyes may appear sunken. If its eyes are cloudy or crusty, consider an infection.
If the white part of the eye is bloodshot, a serious blood infection called toxemia should be suspected.
Step back for a moment to watch the calf’s breathing. It should be quiet and unlaboured. The easiest way to make an assessment is to compare the calf’s breathing to that of normal calves. If breathing is loud or fluid moving through the airways is audible, the calf may have pneumonia.
Hair coat is an accurate reflection of health. Vigorous calves have smooth, shiny, flat coats. If the hair is spiky, rough or dull, the calf could be cold, stressed or sick.
The skin provides important clues to hydration status. Pinch the skin on the side of the flank and release it, timing how long it takes to flatten out.
Less than two seconds is normal. Between three and five seconds suggests five percent dehydration. More than five seconds is serious and means treatment with intravenous fluids is needed.
Next, move to the bottom of the belly and check the calf’s navel, which should be dry. By the time the calf is three days old, the navel should be smaller than a thumb. If it is dripping, hot to touch, or oozing strong-smelling fluid, the calf has an infection or other umbilical abnormality.
Joints should be examined for evidence of joint ill (septic infection) by feeling for heat, swelling and restricted range of motion.
Next, insert a rectal thermometer and check the calf’s temperature. Normal is between 38.5 and 39.5 C. If it is less, the calf is hypothermic. If it is more, the calf has a fever.
Lastly, look at the calf’s manure. Normal is white or tan and pasty. Other colours or textures are abnormal.
Jeff Grognet is a veterinarian and writer practising in Qualicum Beach, B.C.
