wheezing and coughing calf.

[JPiantedosi]

I have a holstein calf that wheezes a little when he breathes and coughs. He is fairly young (just weaned from a bottle) and is eating grass and drinking water, but for the most part he is not putting on any weight and is pretty lethargic. It just got hot here so none of them are real active, but he is not up as much as the 2 heifers, though they are quite a bit older.

Somebody suggested it might be shipping fever..... Should I just start him on a daily dose of LA200 and see what happens?



Jim

[G. Seddon]

First I would take his temperature (normal is 101.5*). Take it in the early morning if you can (temps rise during the day). I'd call the vet for a recommendation on whether to treat it and with what. You have other cattle to consider if it's something contagious.

Also, depending on his age, nibbling on grass isn't going to provide much in the way of nutrition. Ask your vet about what to feed at this age...calf starter, etc.