Microscopic Evaluation of Direct Fecal Smears in the Assessment of Bovine Neonatal Enteritis

Authors

  • Sean P. Lawson Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Fort Collins, CO 80523
  • Robert J. Callan Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Fort Collins, CO 80523

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20025062

Keywords:

Enteritis, calf scours, pre-weaned dairy calf, nutritional factor, infectious agent, enteric disease, microflora, fecal white blood cell

Abstract

Enteritis, or calf scours, is the most common clinical disease of pre-weaned dairy calves and accounts for nearly 60% of pre-weaned dairy calf mortality. Multiple nutritional factors and infectious agents are associated with calf scours. The lack of agent specific clinical signs makes it difficult to determine presumptive etiologies and prescribe specific treatment. Changes in the fecal microflora and the presence of fecal white blood cells are observed in calves with enteritis. The hypothesis for this study was that alterations in the fecal microflora and/or the presence of fecal white blood cells are related to enteric disease signs in dairy calves and may provide useful clinical information. The objectives of this study were to evaluate fecal direct smears for the presence of enteric microflora and fecal white blood cells and compare this information with the presence of enteric disease signs in dairy calves.

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Published

2002-09-26

Issue

Section

Research Summaries - General