Things You'll Need
- Electrolyte fluids
- Fluids (such as milk)
- IV fluids
- Antibiotics
- Lactobacillus or Streptococcus faecium
Instructions
Hydration
Speak with your veterinarian about formulas specifically designed to help replace lost electrolytes in your calves. Calves who have lost substantial amounts of fluids need to maintain their electrolyte balance to help prevent against dehydration.
Give fluids through a bottle if your calf is having difficulty suckling from its mother. According to Oregon State University, a calf should intake 10 percent of its body weight. The intake of milk should be spread into four to six feedings a day.
Keep your calves pH balance normal. Always give milk and electrolytes to your calves without diluting the fluid (such as diluting with water or mixing electrolytes with milk).
When feeding your calves, give milk to them prior to electrolyte therapy. This will allow any nutrients to be absorbed by your calves. Wait at least 30 minutes after a feeding before you give your calves electrolytes.
Other Methods
Speak with your veterinarian if fluid methods are not working with your calves. Your calves may need IV therapy when they don't respond to fluid hydration.
Ask your physician if antibiotic treatments may be necessary for your calves. Antibiotics can help rid your calves of diseases.
Have your calves take products including Lactobacillus acidophilus or Streptococcus faecium. These types of bacteria can help the calves guts develop healthy bacteria and resume normal gut function.
Keep your calves in a warm and dry environment. Consider keeping calves that are severely sick in a separate environment until they can be nursed to full recovery.