3 week old calf eating habits changed

[Curtis B]

One of my calfs suddenly stopped eating. He (Sal) up until now was very excited about eating, and eating well. He would be so excited he would literaly come running when he saw me and almost lift me up off the ground trying to get to the bucket. Last nights feeding I had to take the bucket to him, since he was laying down. He stood up and ate fine, but actually acted satisfied, I usually hand feed some calf starter until they stop trying to suck real hard. This morning it was the same situation, but he would stick his nose in it and then just stand there. I left the bucket there and told DW to check on him in a few hours. Nothing has seemed to change accept that he seems to have a lump on either side of his neck, and someone(him or our other calf) drank close to 20 gal of water from 9:00 last night till 7:00 this morning. I dont have any hay in there for them to eat yet ( supposed to get cut next week), but they have access to the pasture, even though I haven't seen him out there since last night. Think I should call the vet or wait and see a bit. Ya'll have made me nervous with the quick death stories.

I have seperated him and the other calf so I can check their stools easier.

[Cheryl aka JM]

When mine came down the pneumonia it started as not being enthusiastic to eat, and ears a little droopy looking. I wasn't even sure he was sick~ but within a few days he started showing symptoms and so did the other three.

With the holiday weekend coming up I would at the very least take their temps (both calves) and call the vet to let him/her know you MIGHT be having an issue~ and how late Friday evening will they be open if you decide you need one of the pneumonia meds. If they are running fevers (102 is normal) I think I'd go ahead and get the meds sooner than later. Also ask if he will sell you a couple syringes or better (if you have a lot of animals) a bottle of banamine (my vet said it's kind of like animal aspirin~ for fever and pain) to keep them comfortable and eating if you decide they are sick.

Good luck!

[mary,tx]

I'm not the expert, but if it was me, I'd start him now on penicillin. It can be picked up, along with the needles, at a feed store or farm store.