The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Cattle => Topic started by: StephB on November 09, 2018, 07:56:03 pm

Title: Coughing Jersey 4 month Calf
Post by: StephB on November 09, 2018, 07:56:03 pm
I added a Jersey calf to my herd back in August with the hopes she would be a long term investment towards becoming a future house cow.

She has had a runny eye for a couple of weeks.  I treated her with Opticlox for 1 week but then she developed a dry cough.

I put in a poo sample which vets tested for worms, cocci and Lung worm all negative.

Her temp is a steady 38.3c.  The vet seems abit unsure as to why she is coughing.  I really didn't want her to go another weekend not being treated so he prescribed Metacam Anti-Inflammatory injection in the hopes it will stop anything that might be progressing.

It's been abit worrying having the vet scratch his head on this!.  Has anyone else had this sort of issue?.  Maybe I have just caught it early before it progresses into pneumonia?

Ps.  She is not on her mum and has just been weaned.

Thanks
Title: Re: Coughing Jersey 4 month Calf
Post by: SallyintNorth on November 09, 2018, 09:06:51 pm
Personally I would have treated her for lungworm anyway.  I’m not sure whether a FEC is 100% reliable for lungworm?  August is a peak time for lungworm, young cattle would normally be wormed for their first summer season on grass after weaning...
Title: Re: Coughing Jersey 4 month Calf
Post by: Buttermilk on November 10, 2018, 07:37:29 am
I too would worm for lungworm as they may be doing damage but not laying eggs.
Title: Re: Coughing Jersey 4 month Calf
Post by: twizzel on November 11, 2018, 10:11:47 am
there's a lot of pneumonia about at the moment, with the changable weather. if she's just been weaned she will be stressed, lowering the immune system somewhat. we weaned a bunch of suckler calves a few weeks ago and treated 4 or 5 for pneumonia  :raining:   
Title: Re: Coughing Jersey 4 month Calf
Post by: Buttermilk on November 12, 2018, 06:28:33 am
No temperature, no lung rattles as vet checked, no droopy ears.  Not your usual pneumonia but I agree there is a lot about.