The Control of Diarrhea (“White Scours”) of New-Born Dairy Calves by Means of Serum and Sulfaguanidine*

Summary 1. An acute infectious and contagious diarrhea (“white scours”) of new-born dairy calves was investigated clinically. 2. Scrupulous sanitation of the surroundings and adequate nutritionof the calf during the immediate post-natal period are regarded as fundamental in the control of scours of new-born calves but such measures alone are not adequate to control the disease under general herd conditions. 3. No recognizable reduction in the incidence of scours resulted from either giving cod liver oil as a dietary supplement or injecting a commercial anti-scour serum as a prophylactic measure. 4. Sulfaguanidine given in proper doses was effective prophylactically and therapeutically. A rule-of-the-thumb procedure could not be followed in all dosing. 5. As a prophylactic agent, it is recommended that sulfaguanidine in doses of approximately two grams be given to the calf at the following intervals: first dose, shortly after first colostrum consumption, which should not be later than two hours after birth; second dose, six to eight hours later; subsequent doses, morning and night through the second or third day. Doses may be reduced to one gram after the first 36 hours. 6. The following amounts of sulfaguanidine, per 100 pounds body weight of calf, given at four to six hour intervals are recommended as a guide for treatment: first dose, 7 grams; second dose, 5 grams; third and subsequent doses, 4 grams. These doses should be varied according to the condition and response of the calf. During the first 24 hours after the first clinical symptoms of scours are manifested, all feed should be withheld from the calf and liberal amounts of warm water should be given. Discontinue the sulfaguanidine therapy as soon as scours subsides. 7. In view of the dangers from complications associated with diarrhea of the new-born calf, prophylactic measures should be given precedence over therapeutic control except in herds where only sporadic cases occur.

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