Diphtheria calves

Diphtheria is a local appearing inflammation in the mucous membranes of the mouth- or pharynx caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum.

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Cause

Diphtheria is caused by the Fusobacterium necrophorum.

Description

Diphtheria is a local appearing inflammation in the mucous membranes of the mouth- or pharynx caused by the Fusobacteria Necrophorum.
The disease occurs mostly at calves from 1 or 2 weeks to a few months old. The mouth mucosa of you calves is very sensitive. When there is a little damage to the mucous membrane (e.g. by sucking each other), Fusobacterium necrophorum can catch on and cause inflammation with tissue decay. In addition to reduced appetite and salivation, the symptoms that can be observed depend on where the inflammation is. In case of an ignition of:

• The check mucosa: external visible swelling
  
• The tongue/ palate:
  
• The throat: difficulty swallowing, nasal discharge
  
• The larynx: snoring sound, suffocating breath (see respiratory disease  by diphtheria

From the primary inflammatory process can occur elsewhere in the body, due to bacterial clotting inflammatory processes in lungs, lymph nodes, liver, spleen, heart or even brains.
In order to prevent the disease in the case of the couple, it is necessary to prevent lick contacts of infected calves with other animals.

Treatment

Long-term antibiotic treatment that is maintained until the symptoms have disappeared (about 7 days) is usually sufficient. Antibiotics that can be administered by injection are e.g. Neopen.

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