A:   You are describing the end stages of shock -collapse of the circulatory system. In calves like you describe, shock is usually due to bacterial infection affecting multiple organs of the body -septicemia (bacteria invading the cirulation) or endotoxemia (toxins produced by bacteria invading the circulation). Most commonly these bacteria are E. coli or Salmonella, but there are many others.

The health of wet (bucket) calves obtained from dairies and sale-barns is often challenged by three important factors: 1) failure of the calves to receive colostrum; 2) stressors such as transportation and exposure to the elements; and 3) commingling with exposure to multiple disease causing pathogens. Successful rearing of these calves depends on the ability to mitigate these circumstances.

It is very difficult to treat calves in the condition you describe. Treatment requires intravenous fluids and intensive care type settings.

Prevention may be more rewarding.

Consider the source of calves -are calves from some sources less likely to have the problem? -buy only from those sources. Perhaps you can contract to pay more for calves from dairies that will assure colostrum intake and low-stress handling before you pick them up.

How are calves received? Could you do more to reduce the stressors between the source and your operation? Can you prevent commingling? Can incoming calves remain segregated from calves already on your operation (a potential source of exposure to the pathogen). Are calves being received into clean, dry, comfortable housing?

Is nutrition adequate? Some milk replacers do not provide enough energy or protein -especially during cold weather.

Rather than focus on treatment, ask your veterinarian to evaluate your calf-management system for ways to receive those calves with higher health potential, and ways to protect those calves from exposure of pathogens after they arrive.