Colibacillosis - septicaemia

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E. Coli - septicaemia

Predisposing causes:

Colostrum deprivation

Highest absorption w/in first 12hrs of birth

Rich in antibodies to various serotypes of E. Coli. PASSIVE IMMUNITY!

Colostrum quality

AgeHighest susceptibility —> birth-day 4

Stress ie nutritional management, env stress

Environmental factors

Housing calves in the same yards every year

Housing calves in dirty muddy yards

Housing very young with very old

Septicaemic colibacillosis

Aetiology

Disease of poor management; dirty conditions, wet, overcrowded, failure to dip umbilicus

Failure of passive transfer

Commonly 1-14 days old

E. coli may gain entrance through navel, intestine or MM

Shed - urine, oral secretions, nasal secretions, later in the faeces

Clinical signsSign of overwhelming septicaemia and shock

Depression and weakness

Complete anorexia

Rapid heart rate (>100/minute)

Temperature initially high (>40C)

Terminally temperature low (

Final stages - diarrhoea

Sudden death may be seen

Treatment:

Often unsuccessful

Fluid therapy

Antibiotic therapy

Ceftiofur 2.2mg/kg IM or SC BID

Amoxicillin or ampicillin 10mg/kg IM BID

Continue for 3-5 days

Flunixin meglumin @ 1.1mg/kg IV or SC SID

Whole blood transfusion - maybe