Calving Haired Loss: Indicators of Alcohol Consumption and Diarrhea
In a young cattle barn, a farmer has discovered the third calf with hair loss on the hind legs. The skin of the affected calves is otherwise completely intact, and they do not appear sick or noticeable. This strange occurrence has left the farming community puzzled, but a potential explanation may have been proposed by veterinarians Dr. Martina Schmid and Dr. Jens Müller.
The phenomenon of calves drinking milk from the rumen-hindgut region instead of the abomasum, known as rumen drinkers, could be the culprit behind the hair loss. Rumen drinkers occur when milk flows into the rumen due to disturbances in the esophageal groove reflex. This condition can be triggered by various factors such as cold milk, stress, or physical illnesses like navel, lung, ear infections, or scours.
The cause of hair loss after illness in calves is not yet sufficiently clarified, but Drs. Schmid and Müller speculate that it might be linked to rumen drinkers. Rumen drinkers can lead to an acidification in the rumen (rumen acidosis), which is usually accompanied by a blood acidification. Diarrhea and occasional bloating are potential results of rumen drinkers. Once the hair has fallen out, the cause is usually over, and the coat usually recovers on its own in a few weeks.
It's important to note that the treatment for diarrhea and rumen drinkers in calves is not specified in the given content. If you are a farmer or livestock owner and suspect your calves might be suffering from this condition, it is advisable to consult a professional veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Stay tuned for more updates and insights on this intriguing veterinary mystery.
