Colitis X

[zephyrhillsusan]

Here's our experience with Colitis X in a 2 1/2 week old calf.  We aren't sure of the origin of the infection, of course (that's why the vet calls it "X" because you can't test for it to find out exactly what organism it is), but we've taken care of what might be the cause.  And then there's the environment . . . the big, scary environment!  So many bad things out there.    But I think this is a tough little guy.  If he's as tough as he is sweet, he's going to do fine! 

P.S.  The vet had been here to do shots, so he met our little heifer calf.  He actually said to us before we put Wellie back in the truck, "Imagine if it had been the other one!"  What a thought!  I'm thankful for small mercies!  

[hollydzie]

Susan, one of my calves born this year also had bright red blood on the yellow baby poop. If you google it you will find all kinds of horrible things. I called my go to person and she said she gets calls about it all the time. She has it from time to time in her calves. My baby was fine otherwise. I did nothing but watch her and she had no issues. I only saw it 2 times and it was mixed with the yellow poop. Just thought I would share my experience with blood streaks in calf poop. Now if she would have had scours or any other problem I would have treated.

Holly

[zephyrhillsusan]

hollydzie, thanks for responding!  (I was beginning to wonder if my posts are going through. :  I'm not sure if you read the blog post or just the one here.  What you described is what we got at first (the first two photos).  But it kept recurring, and later on (photos farther down) it became diarrhea with quite a bit of blood. By that time he was droopy and had a fever and had a sour smell to his breath, like after someone vomits.  That's why I got worried and took him to the vet.

We've never had this at all from any of our calves, not even a bit of blood in the baby poop.  I know that it can be normal, but I guess the question for relative newbies like me is how to distinguish when it goes from normal to a problem.  I think it did this time, and the vet thought so, too (although he wasn't worried about Wellie's condition), which is why I wanted to share it.  I guess I would say the deciding factors for me, all combined, were:

• diarrhea
• continuing blood
• more blood
• fever
• sour breath
• listlessness

I'm afraid I'm going to be dogging the footsteps of our future calves, peering at their poop, after this experience!  

 

[hollydzie]

Oh my that does sound pretty scary. You had a lot of other symptoms. Ours just had the blood in the poop. I would have never known anything had I not been standing there when she pooped. I think you did exactly the right thing. So glad he is doing better. These little cows sure do keep us on our toes don't they LOL

Holly

[Deleted]

Thanks for the info Susan, I am constantly checking poop on the farm.

[zephyrhillsusan]

I thought I'd give you an update on the outcome of Wellie's bout with Colitis X.  There are new photos of him in the post along with details of his treatment and the result.  No spoilers--you'll have to click the link!    

[legendrockranch]

He's full of spit and vinegar and feeling good. Job well done.
Barb

[Mare]

Glad to hear that Willie is doing good!!! Yes the poop tell's a lot. I'm at least once a month checking out poop to make sure everyone is feel good. Also went over to your site. What a Beauitful Place you have.