Diarrhoeal diseases of the calf: Observations on treatment and prevention

Abstract

Extract

During the past two decades intestinal absorptive and secretory functions and the intestinal flora have been significantly clarified. Important concepts of intestinal dysfunction have emerged which have proved of immense clinical value(32) Moon, H. W. 1974. Pathogenesis of Enteric Diseases Caused by Escherichia coli. Adv. Vet. Sci. Comp. Med, 18: 179–211. PubMed] , Google Scholar] (39) Phillips, S. F. 1972. Diarrhoea: A Current View of the Pathophysiology. Gastroenterology, 63: 495–518.  Google Scholar] (46) Smith, H. W. 1965. Observations on the Flora of the Alimentary Tract of Animals and Factors Affecting its Composition. J. Pathol, 89: 95–122.  Google Scholar] (47) Smith, H. W. 1971. The Bacteriology of the Alimentary Tract of Domestic Animals Suffering from E. coli Infection. Ann. N. Y. Acad Set, 176: 110–125.  Google Scholar] (51) Soergel, K. H. 1973. New Concepts of Intestinal Function. Hepatogaslroenterol, 20: 351–358.  Google Scholar]. Despite this, the medical and economic consequences of diarrhoea continue to beset the cattle industry(1) Barnum, D. A., Glantz, P. J. and Moon, H. W. 1967. Colibacillosis. CI_RV_eterinary Monograph Series/Two, : 5–44.  Google Scholar] (18) Hubbert, W. T. 1974. Factors Affecting Survival of the Bovine Fetus and Neonate. Theriogenology, 1: 15–34.  Google Scholar] (30) Marsh, H. 1968. Prenatal and Postnatal Mortality in Cattle. National Academy of Science. Pub. No. 1685,, : 1–6.  Google Scholar] (56) Vollmar, R. E. 1974. Diarrhoea Control in a Dairy Operation. Mod Vet. Pract., 55: 509–512.  Google Scholar] (57) White, R. G. Scours-The Calf Killer. Presented at the California Livestock Symposium. An. Nut. Health, pp.14–18.  Google Scholar]. Diarrhoeal disease of the calf occurs at a time of complex developmental, environmental and functional change. The surface defences and enzyme systems of the neonatal gut are maturing in a protective film of maternal antibody, while undergoing increasing stimulation from environmental microbial challenge. The precarious nature of this defence system is not surprising. It is contingent upon a balance of such changing conditions as maternal antibody quantity, quality and delivery(5) Bush, L. J., Aguilera, M. A., Adams, G. D. and Jones, E. W. 1971. Absorption of Colostral Immunoglobulins by Newborn Dairy Calves. J. Dairy Sci., 54: 1547–1549.  Google Scholar], environmental microbial challenge(46) Smith, H. W. 1965. Observations on the Flora of the Alimentary Tract of Animals and Factors Affecting its Composition. J. Pathol, 89: 95–122.  Google Scholar] (47) Smith, H. W. 1971. The Bacteriology of the Alimentary Tract of Domestic Animals Suffering from E. coli Infection. Ann. N. Y. Acad Set, 176: 110–125.  Google Scholar] and neonatal immunological and intestinal epithelial maturation(7) Corley, L. D., Staley, T. E., Bush, L. J. and Jones, E. W. 1977. Influence of Colostrum on Transepithelial Movement of E. coli 055. J. Dairy Sci., in press Google Scholar] (52) Staley, T. E., Corley, L. D., Bush, L. J. and Jones, E. W. 1972. The Ultra-structure of Neonatal Calf Intestine and Absorption of Heterologous Proteins. A rial. Rec, 172: 559–579. Crossref], PubMed] , Google Scholar]. While both infectious and non-infectious etiologic factors are involved(1) Barnum, D. A., Glantz, P. J. and Moon, H. W. 1967. Colibacillosis. CI_RV_eterinary Monograph Series/Two, : 5–44.  Google Scholar] the former (Escherichia coli, Saltiionsllci and Shigella spp., and reo and corona viruses) is the more significant. Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), a major contributor to neonatal diarrhoeal disease, will be discussed primarily. Four syndromes, septicaemia, enteric-toxaemia, local invasive and enterotoxic have been described(32) Moon, H. W. 1974. Pathogenesis of Enteric Diseases Caused by Escherichia coli. Adv. Vet. Sci. Comp. Med, 18: 179–211. PubMed] , Google Scholar] and ad verseoutcomes may result from endotoxic shock and/or hypovolemic shock, from systemic infection and from malnutrition. The clinician is thus faced with the selection of a multi-faceted approach to the problem. Avenues of attack, in addition to prophylactic husbandry, include: passive and active immunization, reduction of challenge, specific antimicrobial therapy, and resolution of fluid and electrolyte loss and shock. This presentation includes a resumé of the calf scour syndrome, together with observations concerning treatment and control. These observations include active and passive immunization, antimicrobial therapy, and modification of intestinal fluid loss.