Blood Transfusions in Calves
West River Veterinary Clinic tends to receive many calls this time of year regarding calves with swollen joints. Many ranchers are well aware that this issue is likely caused by an infection that circulates throughout the body (Neonatal Septicemia). Septicemia causes a whole multitude of other deadly problems as well, from pneumonia to diarrhea and neurologic signs, eventually causing death from an overload of infection.
Why are some calves more prone to this infection?
The major common factor we see with these cases is a deficiency in the colostrum (first-milk) received following birth. The term for this is deficiency is “Failure of Passive Transfer.” In the past, our best line of defense for septicemia was long-term antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. Unfortunately, this treatment only works a portion of the time.
Recently, West River Vet Clinic has designed a new treatment protocol for these calves which includes a fresh whole blood transfusion. A transfusion of whole blood from a healthy donor cow (that has calved at least 1-2 weeks ago, or is “open”) replaces and boosts antibodies that are needed to fight off such a severe infection. The cases that this treatment has been used on thus far have had extremely positive outcomes.
So what do you have to do? The owner will bring in the calf and donor cow to the clinic. Within 24 hours, the blood has been collected and transfused by intravenous catheter; and both patients can go home! By using materials we routinely keep on hand, we have been able to keep costs down and make this much-needed treatment more affordable for our clients.
For more information on this procedure, feel free to email ([email protected]) or call the clinic (701-567-4333).