E. coli, Crypto, Coccidia & More: Calf Diarrhea Explained

Calf diarrhea—commonly called calf scours—is one of the most important diseases of young cattle, but the cause changes dramatically depending on the calf’s age, environment, immune status, and clinical signs. In this veterinary education video, we break down the major infectious and noninfectious causes of calf diarrhea, including ETEC E. coli, rotavirus, coronavirus, Cryptosporidium parvum, Salmonella, Clostridium perfringens, coccidiosis, Johne’s disease, dietary problems, and management factors. We also cover how these diseases actually produce diarrhea, how age helps narrow your differential list, fecal diagnostics such as PCR, ELISA, and antigen testing, blood gas and chemistry abnormalities, D-lactate, metabolic acidosis, dehydration, pre-renal azotemia, oral electrolyte therapy, IV fluids, bicarbonate calculations, antibiotic indications, amprolium, thiamine deficiency, and prevention. This video is designed for veterinary students, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, pre-vet students, animal science students, and anyone interested in bovine medicine. If you would like to donate to our video and game development, reach out to dogtorsgame@gmail.com. Educational content only. Treatment decisions, drug selection, dosing, withdrawal intervals, and extra-label drug use in food animals should be made in accordance with veterinary oversight and applicable regulations.