Symptoms of Pneumonia in Cattle

Nothing strikes fear into the heart of cattleman more than a sick cow. After all, a contagious sickness can spread among a herd faster than wildfire. Luckily, pneumonia isn't contagious, but it can be more than a little worrisome. So, find out the symptoms to watch for.

  1. Appetite Depression

    • Cattle suffering from the early symptoms of pneumonia will eat less. To see if one of your cattle has appetite depression, pen him, giving him plenty of room to move. This will allow you to monitor his food intake.

    Depression

    • Cattle who are sick often show signs of depression. A cow who is ill will hang her head low and hide among the group, wanting to avoid you.

    Soft, Repititive Coughing

    • Soft, repetitive coughing is another early symptom of pneumonia in a steer or cow. Watch for increased, more rapid breathing which can be a sign that your animal is having difficulty drawing breath.

    Watery Eyes

    • Sick cattle often have watery, dull eyes and a lack of interest in the world around them. Like us, cattle will actually look like they don't feel good.

    Clear Nasal Discharge

    • Cows who have pneumonia usually have some sort of clear nasal discharge. A sick animal will also not care. Cattle with pneumonia do wipe their noses as much as normal despite the discharge.

    Stiff Movements

    • Stiff movements are a sure sign to watch for when looking for pneumonia. Cattle who have pneumonia often shorten their strides and have weak, stilted movement due to shortness of breath.

    A Slab-sided Gut

    • Sick cattle will appear to have a "slab-sided gut" or a completely flat side, unlike the usual rounded appearance. This symptom is a sign of the depressed appetite mentioned above.