FARM HEALTH NEWSLETTER
MEDFORD VETERINARY CLINIC
March 2013
Medford office 715-748-2341
Dr. R.L. Shiffler
Dr. H.H. Hildebrandt
Dr. J.M. Osen
Colby office 715-223-2858
Dr. M. Ortengren
Dr. C.A. Miller
Dr. B.M. Grandaw
www.medfordvet.com
Dr. H.J. Grandaw
Dr. M.R. Moodie
Dr. A.L. Ahles
Serving the dairy industry by providing prevention, treatment, and promoting efficiency – since 1958
Clostridial Infections
Clostridium is a type of bacteria that has
many different forms and can create a variety of
problems on the dairy. Because this bacteria is
commonly found in the soil and the intestines of
animals, it can become a chronic problem. The
family of clostridium bacteria causes many
different diseases including: tetanus, blackleg, calf
bloat, calf diarrhea, hemorrhagic bowel syndrome,
gangrenous mastitis, and more. We will focus on
a few that have been a significant problem in the
area recently.
Blackleg
Blackleg is a term used for clostridial
infections in cattle’s muscle and fat, and is not
always in the leg. Many different types of
clostridium can cause this, and it usually begins by
a wound or puncture. It starts, as any infection
would, with fever and lethargy, but the bacteria
creates gas which will eventually be noticed under
the skin or in the abdomen by palpation. This gas
crepitus is the hallmark of this disease.
Calf diarrhea and toxemia
Clostridium perfringens can be very lethal
in young calves, especially in the first few weeks
of life. This bacteria can grow very fast inside the
animal and creates an incredible amount of toxins.
It starts as diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain, but
often the toxins are so lethal that calves die before
signs of disease are even noticed. Treatment is
often unrewarding, but may be successful in less
severe cases. Proper vaccination and calf
cleanliness is the key in preventing this disease.
Calf Clostridial Bloat
In older calves, usually 2-4 months,
Clostridium perfringens overgrow in the
developing rumen and allows other bad bacteria
and fungi to overgrow as well. The bloat can
become severe enough to kill a calf by not being
able to breath. This is often a more slowly
progressing disease, but also requires early
treatment for it to be successful. Many calves
relapse after an initial successful treatment, so
they need to be watched closely. Proper
vaccination is, again, the key in preventing this
problem.
Vaccines and Treatments
Prevention is always the best solution and
there is a wide selection of Clostridial vaccines
available. For calves over 3 months and cows,
7-way clostridium vaccines such as Vision7,
Ultrabac, and Caliber offer good protection.
These usually require two initial injections for a
booster and annual vaccination after that. For
young calves, the preferred vaccine is given to the
cow before calving and passed to the calf through
colostrum. These vaccines include Gaurdian and
Scourgard. They prevent other types of calf
diarrhea as well. Another good option is Bovine
Ecolizer+C20 which is a paste given to calves as
soon as possible after birth.
Treatments depend on the type and
severity of disease and the type of animal.
Clostirium C&D antitoxin is useful in severe
cases. Supportive care such as Banamine, fluids,
and probiotics are helpful, but the penicillin class
of antibiotics is usually most effective.
Phone numbers
We have recently discontinued our 1-800
phone number as it was not being used very
frequently. You can call either our Medford or
Colby number at any time, including after hours,
and you will get our clinic. If Colby is closed, the
call will be rerouted to our Medford office or
emergency answering service.
Medford: 715-748-2341
Colby: 715-223-2858