James Adams
James Adams, BVSc FHEA MRCVS Farm Animal Lead at Langford Vets, University of Bristol
If I could offer one piece of advice to farmers with scouring animals it would be to ensure hydration as dehydration is what kills! Rehydrating an animal is essential if an animal is to be able to regain its normal function and fend off any disease.
“Neonatal Scour is a condition that affects all farm species and can range from mild scour with an animal appearing slightly depressed, to something more serious. We offer advice on scour on a case-by-case basis and in cattle we take into account the age of the animal and hygiene measures in place on the farm before deciding on the likely causative agent.
“If I could offer one piece of advice to farmers with scouring animals it would be to ensure hydration as dehydration is what kills! Rehydrating an animal is essential if an animal is to be able to regain its normal function and fend off any disease.
“We’ve been using Rehydion in our vet practice for approximately a year and we mainly recommend that farmers use it in cattle, but our clients also use it in lambs and kids. We get a lot of positive feedback from farmers on Rehydion as they feel that it is effective and convenient to use, which aids compliance, and it can be given with milk, which is essential for maintaining a positive energy status.
“It is very popular with our farmers and we recommend that our clients use Rehydion as soon as they spot scour or even if a calf seems a little depressed. It is a quick and easy way to rehydrate animals and minimise electrolyte losses whilst maintaining the calf’s energy status; they swiftly look brighter and regain their appetite to aid a swift return to normal function and good health.”