Antimicrobial Use in Calves with Diarrhea: Considerations for Clinical Decision Making

摘要

Neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD) remains a common disease throughout both the beef and dairy cattle industries. NCD is responsible for approximately 60% of all mortality in preweaned dairy heifers, 14% of all mortality in beef calves less than 21 days ofage, and 23% of all mortality in beef calves older than 21 days of age.1"3 While dehydration and acidosis contribute to the sometimes unfavorable outcome of calves with diarrhea, overgrowth of intestinal bacteria and translocation of these organisms to the bloodstream play an important role in the disease process.4,5 The use of antimicrobials in calves with diarrhea is controversial with strong opinions on both sides of the argument. Nevertheless, evidence does exist to suggest that antimicrobials do have a place in treating calves with diarrhea and, when used appropriately, can improve outcome. The purpose of this manuscript is to review the clinical rationale for the use of antimicrobials in calves with diarrhea and provide recommendations to help assist the practitioner with decision making when faced with a critically ill calf.