Dehydration in calves experiencing scours is often underestimated. A scouring calf can lose anywhere between 5% to 10% of its bodyweight in water within one day.
1. How to assess dehydration
Dehydration % – Percent of water loss relative to total bodyweight. Use this percent to calculate the amount of electrolyte solution for dehydrated calves.
Demeanor – Calf’s appearance and reaction to feeding and stimulation. Calves start to lose energy, become lethargic and show signs of depression at 8% dehydration.
Sunken eyes – This is also known as enophthalmos and is often an early sign that calves are ill. To assess, pull down the lower eyelid and measure the gap at the inner corner of the eye from the eyelid.
Skin elasticity – To measure, pinch a fold of skin on the side of the neck and rotate it 90 degrees. You will record the amount of time for the skinfold to disappear. If this fold disappears in two to five seconds, the calf is between 8% and 10% dehydrated and so forth.
Oral treatment – Provide electrolytes in the morning in addition to their meal. Also, leave a bottle in between feedings and feed another bottle at night in addition to their meal.
IV treatment – When a calf is 8% to 10% dehydrated and has a poor or no suckling reflex, give fluids subcutaneous or with an IV. Consult with your veterinarian about treatment.
2. Calculating how much fluid
Don’t underestimate how much fluid calves need to rehydrate. Use the dehydration percentage you determined from above and the calf’s weight to calculate the amount of fluid they need.
Estimate the dehydration %
Use the equation (weight x dehydration %) to get the amount of solution in pounds for oral or IV therapy. To convert this number to quarts, divide by 2 (1 quart = 2 pounds).
Feed to rehydrate multiple times a day and continue feeding milk.
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