Volume 9, No. 7
ENTEROTOXEMIA
By: Russ Schnepper, D. V. M.
Enterotoxemia is a disease in calves caused by the absorption of toxins produced by the growth of Clostridium perfringens types A, C, or D. The clostridia grow in the lumen of the gut. Clostridia are what we call ubiquitous (they are everywhere). Clostridia are normal inhabitants in the gut of normal healthy calves. In most cases, an acidosis develops, causing blood to seep into the lumen of the intestine. The clostridia thrive on blood and grow rapidly, producing large amounts of toxins that are absorbed by the calf, and are often fatal. It is easy to understand acidosis in a group of steers. It is the lack of good feed bunk management that produces the conditions for acidosis to develop. Some of the same conditions occur in the baby calf. Irregular feeding times, irregular amounts of feed, sudden introduction and/or withdrawal of feed additives, etc., can contribute to the development of acidosis. Dr. Harper, a calf Veterinarian in Texas, tells me some calf ranches get in trouble trying to feed the calves twice in an eight hour period, that leaves 16 hours between the evening and morning feedings. He says 12 hours is definitely best, but he will accept 10 hours between the AM and PM feedings. His experience is the clostridial problem goes away with regular and timely feedings. Maybe you should think twice, or at least realize that feeding the calves early so you can go out in the evening may have its price. Regular feedings without abrupt changes are best for the calf. These factors explain most enterotoxemia cases, but in a few dairies, I believe we get seeded down with an extra large number of clostridial organisms in the calving area or the calf facilities and equipment.
Many raisers vaccinate with C & D Toxoid, or C & D Antitoxin because they feel they have to do something. But I have not been successful at vaccinating my way out of a clostridial problem. We have split groups and injected C & D Antitoxin to half of them and our treatment results were not improved over the non treated calves. C & D Toxoid, likewise has shown no benefit for us in split groups. There are those that believe Gammulin will prevent enterotoxemia, but I have not seen positive results in split groups. With good management, the problem usually goes away by itself. Good nutrition is important. Use selenium, vitamins and quality protein.
We have only been consistently successful treating enterotoxemia with oral use of 10 to 20 ml penicillin and/or 20 ml C & D Antitoxin. We tube water and/or electrolytes if the calf will not drink. Veal producers call these "toxic" calves. They know if you do not treat promptly the calf is dead. Injectable treatments have not been as successful. Clostridia are in the lumen of the gut and injectable products do not get there.
Immunoboost is effective against all the other pathogens, but not clostridia nor crypto. Probiotics may be of benefit, but I have no data. Clostridial enterotoxemia incidence is less with good management as to feeding changes and timing of feedings.
Most problems come and go like a wave in a facility, despite our best efforts.
Contact information for ordering information and questions about our products:
Schnepper International, Inc.
3162 County B, Platteville, WI 53818
608-348-6141, Fax: 608-348-6146
www.calfdoctor.com email: rschnep@mhtc.net