Calf Bronchopneumonia: causes and symptoms, treatment regimens and prevention

To successfully breed cattle and get a good profit from it, you will need not only proper care, but also the ability to identify diseases and carry out their adequate and timely treatment. One of the most common pathologies in calves is bronchopneumonia. Also, prevention of this dangerous disease is no less important.

What is bronchopneumonia?

Otherwise, this pathology is called catarrhal pneumonia. Since calves are often affected, and the consequences often lead to the death of animals, farm owners suffer considerable material damage.The disease mainly affects the respiratory system of the body, namely the bronchi and alveoli. In some cases, other organs are also affected. In the future, intoxication occurs, and the weakened body of the calf is exposed to even greater negative effects.

Broncho-pneumonia in calves is treatable but comes with a number of complications:

• breeding qualities of males are deteriorating;
• reproductive function suffers;
• poor weight gain.

The disease is not contagious, so it is not contagious. Provoking factors are colds and hypothermia.

At risk are calves aged 30-45 days. The share of diseased young individuals is approximately 30% of the population.

The disease takes a long time and involves the following changes in the body:

• CNS lesion;
• accumulation of blood in the lungs;
• edema of the bronchi and bronchioles;
• pneumonia;
• breathing disorder.

Where the focus of inflammation is localized, lung function is impaired, as a result of which he althy areas are forced to take on additional load. Shortness of breath appears, body temperature rises. Next, the kidneys are affected - the work of the filters is disrupted.

If the liver is weakened, then toxic substances enter it from the gastrointestinal tract, from where they are carried throughout the body with blood flow, triggering inflammatory processes in organs and tissues.

After the death of a calf due to bronchopneumonia, the following changes are found in his body:

• seals in lungs;
• edema of the upper respiratory tract;
• heart has an unnatural hue;
• damage to the bronchi and lungs;
• mucus in the bronchi and bronchioles;
• uneven lung surface;
• lesions in the upper lung;
• presence of granular formations in the lungs;
• enlarged liver;
• inflammation of the lymphatic system.

Causes and symptoms of the disease

Causes for the development of bronchopneumonia in calves are different:

• lack of vitamins (A and C);
• poor conditions of detention (lack of proper ventilation, inconsistent cleaning of the room, which makes the air dusty and the room dirty);
• improper metabolism, disturbances in the work of the digestive organs;
• stress;
• unsuitable breeding pair resulting in calves born with physiological abnormalities and weakened immune systems;
• hypothermia or overheating (drafts, cold, hot and dry air);
• colds left to chance;
• high level of humidity in the room where the animals are;
• Mistakes with colostrum feeding.

Sharp shape

There are three forms of the course of the disease:

• spicy;
• subacute;
• chronic.

Each of them is characterized by certain symptoms. The acute stage develops within 10 days. During this period, the calf needs urgent veterinary care, a thorough examination, and sampling. Signs of acute bronchopneumonia are as follows:

1. Weakness.
2. Wearing.
3. Reluctance to eat.
4. Discharge of mucus from the nose (gradually turns into pus).
5. Throat breathing.
6. Cough. First dry and sparse, then (if not properly treated) wet and frequent.
7. Breathing through the mouth.
8. Elevated white blood cell count (determined by tests).

Subacute

Continues for 2-4 weeks. The symptoms of this stage are:

1. No appetite.
2. The weight of the calf is decreasing (as a consequence of the first point).
3. Slight increase in temperature in the evening (normal during the day).
4. Shortness of breath. The calf starts wheezing.
5. Diarrhea.
6. Exacerbations occur in the form of a sharp increase in temperature and deterioration of well-being.

Chronic

This form of the disease in cows is characterized by the following features:

1. Persistent cough.
2. Rhinitis.
3. Wheezing in the lungs.
4. Lagging behind in physical development.

Calves with chronic bronchopneumonia are culled. At the same time, they cannot be sent for slaughter, since the meat of such animals is not recommended for consumption, even after thorough heat treatment.

Diagnostic Methods

You can establish the presence of pathology based on the results of laboratory tests:

• blood chemistry;
• X-ray of the lungs (in the presence of bronchopneumonia, local shadows are found in the picture, a clearer bronchial pattern, a blurry cardio-diaphragmatic pattern);
• urinalysis;
• bronchopulmonary test.

It is also necessary to assess the conditions of keeping the young animals, the behavior of the calf (both in the grazing and indoors). All of this information is essential for an accurate diagnosis.

When diagnosing, it is important to distinguish the symptoms of bronchopneumonia from signs of other (similar) diseases. For example, coughing in calves can occur for the following reasons:

• helminthiasis (Echinococcus accumulate in the lungs and provoke a cough);
• presence of a foreign object in the upper respiratory tract;
• pollen allergy;
• chemical poisoning.

Methods for the treatment of bronchopneumonia in cattle

The sick calf is placed in a separate pen and provided with the necessary care. The main measures of therapy include the following procedures:

1. Inhalation. Increases blood circulation, substances are quickly and easily absorbed. For the procedure you will need turpentine, baking soda, herbs, oil extracts, proteolytic enzymes.
2. Course of antibiotics.
3. Taking anti-allergic drugs.
4. Improving the protective functions of the body with the help of immunostimulants.

Antibacterial therapy

The calf's treatment regimen is based on the use of antibiotics - "Penicillin" and "Streptomycin". These drugs are effective in the acute form of bronchopneumonia. The first drug is injected intramuscularly, the second - intravenously three times a day. The course of therapy is about a week.

Antiallergic drugs

Antihistamines reduce vascular permeability and improve the absorption of antibiotics, preventing drug allergies. Common remedies for catarrhal pneumonia include:

• "Suprastin";
• calcium gluconate;
• sodium thiosulfate;
• Pipolfen.

Immunostimulants

The disease weakens the protective functions of the body, so it is necessary to help him in the fight against the disease. For this, immunostimulants are used, including blood serum taken from he althy animals.

Problem Prevention

To prevent the development of bronchopneumonia in a calf, you should resort to the following measures:

• proper nutrition rich in vitamins;
• support for optimal conditions of detention (temperature, humidity, cleaning, ventilation, disinfection, etc.);
• regular walking;
• flooring should be wood;
• the presence of a canopy in the walking area (so that the calves can hide under it from the heat and rain);
• regular check-ups of calves by a veterinarian;
• chest massage;
• proper care of pregnant cows.

Broncho-pneumonia is a serious but treatable disease that is common in calves. It is important to follow preventive measures, and if signs of pathology appear, immediately call a veterinarian and, if necessary, begin adequate treatment.

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