Predictors for mortality from acute undifferentiated neontal calf diarrhea

Abstract

A prospective study involving 77 neonatal calves was carried out to determine which factors in management, physical status and laboratory findings at time of presentation to the clinic might help to predict wether a calf shall die or survive. Calf history and physical examination where done using a standard protocol . At presentation blood samples were collected for blood gas analysis, hematology and biochemistry • Twenty four hours later after the calf had been rehydrated a blood sample was collected for serum protein electrophoresis Calves that died were taken for necropsy and histopathology, bacteriology and virology performed on standard range of tissues The calves that later died had significantly lower segmented neutrophils, serum total proteins, body temperature, and serum calcium level and higher serum phosphorus level. It was concluded that serum total protein and body temperature may help predict wether calves shall die or survive •