Scouring calves quickly can succumb to the effects of dehydration and acidosis that occur with a bacterial or viral infection.

Often the first thought is to stop the scouring, but in fact scouring serves the important purpose of eliminating pathogens and toxins from the gut. But consider instead the approach of giving the calf all it needs for both fluid maintenance AND to overcome losses. This approach is dependent on an accurate assessment of the calves losses and how to supplement the fluid, either through an oral, subcutaneous, or IV approach.

Picking the appropriate therapy can be done by an initial examination of the calf's responses and ability to stand. A calf that is standing but somewhat depressed will usually respond to oral fluid therapy. What is preferred is maintaining the milk intakes in the morning and evening, BUT, in addition supplementing them with an electrolyte solution midday and initially, in the late evening. Include probiotic treatment with Enterocin-C, and check temperature to assess need for antibiotics and antipyretics.

A calf that is down, but sitting on it's chest and  will stand with assistance is more severely dehydrated, but usually will do well with the above mentioned oral therapy PLUS subcutaneous fluid therapy. Contact your veterinarian to determine the recommended fluid, often an IV bag of MultiSol-R or Norm-R is ideal, and provide the best buffering capacity to fight the acidosis that often combines with dehydration to kill these calves. 1-2 liters of warmed fluids given in 4 spots in front of and behind the shoulder subcutaneously will help these animals tremendously by providing them a source of fluid and buffer that will not be rapidly expelled out the back end. Include probiotic treatment with Enterocin-C, and check temperature to assess need for antibiotics and antipyretics.

A calf that is down, often on it's side, and will not stand, must receive IV fluids for any reasonable chance of survival. This can be a technically difficult procedure, and in addition, the blood vessels are smaller because of the accompanying dehydration. It is a situation where the veterinarian's help is most indicated and she/he will likely provide the calf with 1-3 liters of warmed IV fluids plus necessary medication to combat fever and bloodborne/systemic infection.

Best of all, avoid most of these problems, and the loss of valuable calves by providing adequate and quality(vaccinate dams with ScourGard3K+C)colostrum, dip navels twice, use BoSe and Enterocin-C at birth when recommended, and monitor calves closely and treat any scours aggressively and quickly.   

IF using CalfGuard rota-corona vaccine, consider using it at 7-10 days of age rather than at Day 1. The antibodies that develop peak and then decline after 7-10 days and typically, this viral infection doesn't start UNTIL day 10. If having a problem of this sort, give both at Day 1 and again at Day 10.