04/06/2026
With these typical wacky Alberta weather changes, scours are inevitable!
Not every dirty bum is cause for a panic, but it does mean you should pay close attention to the calf.
When checking your calves, keep an eye out for wet bums. When the f***s are more of a watery consistency, the calf is losing its essential body fluids. These calves NEED TREATMENT!
SCOURS ARE NOT AN ANTIBIOTIC DEFICIENCY, THEY ARE A FLUID DEFICIENCY. DEHYDRATION IS WHAT KILLS THE CALF!
Nutritional/milk scours, usually white or yellow in colour, are not generally a cause for concern. They may be due to a stomach upset from overdrinking, or from rich fat content in mothers milk. This type of scours usually does not dehydrate the calf, being they typically have some form of pastiness to them. Do not ignore these calves, but make sure to keep an eye on them for changes in behavior and appearance.
To know the exact cause of the scours is very difficult without testing, and many types of scours are caused by viral infections (antibiotics won't fix them). Therefore, it is of upmost importance to provide REHYDRATION to the calf. Electrolytes given orally multiple times per day, offset with milk feedings, is the best way to correct dehydration. If you are not successful in rehydrating the calf and providing supportive therapy to aid them while they have scours, veterinary intervention may be necessary. Please contact your veterinary for a rehydration and treatment plan.
