Arthritis in Newborn Calves

Although the term arthritis is more commonly associated with older animals, newborn calves can suffer from it, too. Arthritis can inflict a calf that has suffered diseases, such as mycoplasma and septicemia.

  1. Arthritis

    • Arthritis is an affliction causing the joints, especially the knees, hocks, stifles and elbows to swell and cause pain. This often results in calves that are unable to walk.

    Mycoplasma

    • Mycoplasma is caused by a highly contagious microbe. Sick calves displaying the initial symptoms, including a fever and a cough, may be overlooked if they are still eating. Next, an acute ear infection signals respiratory damage in progress. A calf, with untreated pneumonia, that is later afflicted with arthritis will not respond to antibiotics for this new complication. Continue to provide food and water for the calves with arthritis and in time, usually months, the calves often recover.

    Septicemia

    • Septicemia is the result of bacteria entering the bloodstream of newborn calves within the first week of life, usually through the navel. Calves surviving the initial onslaught of the disease may subsequently develop arthritis, which is difficult to treat and calves often have to be culled, meaning destroyed.

    Post Natal

    • To prevent the onset of bacterial diseases. like septicemia, it is advised to dip calf's navel in a 2 to 7 percent tincture of iodine as soon as it is born. Calves must consume an adequate amount of colostrum, about 10 percent of their body weight, so they can build their immune systems.

    Disease Management

    • Good sanitation and herd management practices can greatly reduce the incidences of illnesses and problems, such as arthritis. Early disease detection can reduce contagions and death rates.