Content
The calf grinds its teeth for many reasons. Sometimes this is a sign of a serious pathology in the body of an individual, and sometimes it occurs in the absence of health problems. Nevertheless, this phenomenon must be dealt with with the help of a veterinarian: find the causes and eliminate them.
Why does the calf grind its teeth
A newborn requires careful observation in order to prevent pathology in a timely manner.
After the birth of calves, the owner of the animals will need to closely monitor the babies. In newborns, the final formation of organs, systems, tissues takes place, the foundations of proper digestion are laid, the gastrointestinal tract is populated with the necessary microflora. If the calf grinds its teeth, first of all, it is necessary to check the quality of the feed and make sure that no sand or dirt particles get into the feeder. If, in addition to the fact that the calf is grinding its teeth, it has also lost its appetite, then most likely there is some problem in the baby's digestive system. In any case, this is a good reason to show the calf to the veterinarian.
If we are talking about a minor violation, as a result of which the calf grinds its teeth, then the following reasons for this phenomenon can be noted:
- feeding cows with low-quality feed, which leads to inferior milk production for newborns;
- feeding the baby spoiled feed or those that are contraindicated for him by age;
- the calf does not have a full-fledged diet, competently balanced and enriched with the necessary vitamins and microelements.
Such errors in nutrition, lack of proper care for the baby, unsanitary conditions in the room can cause such a phenomenon as grinding teeth.
If such a problem occurs, you need to pay attention to the quality of the feed.
If we consider the creak of teeth in a calf as a consequence of a serious illness, then the owner should pay attention to pathologies in which this symptom is one of the signs:
- white muscle disease;
- gastroenteritis;
- scar parakeratosis.
The cause of white muscle disease is a lack of certain vitamins, trace elements, and viral infections can also cause a problem. The symptoms of the disease, in addition to the creak of the teeth, include the lethargy of the baby, stomach upsets, cloudy eyes. With this disease, degenerative-dystrophic processes occur in the muscles. At the same time, muscle fibers are replaced by other types of tissue or are completely destroyed. In the early stages of the disease, laboratory diagnosis is indispensable, otherwise white muscle disease can be confused with other similar pathologies. Without a timely and correct treatment regimen, the likelihood of death is high. Treatment consists of subcutaneous administration of vitamins A and E, drugs with selenium.
Gastroenteritis is a consequence of a violation of the diet. Poor-quality, non-varied feed properties lead to inflammatory processes in the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines.In addition to squeaking teeth, calves have diarrhea, mucus in feces, lack of appetite, and increased body temperature. To clarify the diagnosis, laboratory tests are carried out. As a treatment, you should use a starvation diet, you can drink the calf with salted warm water. Next, acidophilic milk is carefully introduced into the diet, reverse. Then you can switch to a regular feeding ration, strictly controlling the quality of the feed.
Scar parakeratosis is a gastrointestinal disease caused by inaccuracies in feeding. In addition to the creak of the teeth, the calf exhibits profuse salivation, weak peristalsis, and indistinct scar contractions. Diagnosis is by tests to determine the pancreatic environment and histamine levels. Treatment consists in restoring digestion, as well as injections of vitamin A, magnesium preparations.
If the calf grinds its teeth and refuses to eat, you need to pay attention to its general condition.
Diagnosing the problem
If the calf begins to grind its teeth, it will be impossible to establish the cause of this phenomenon on its own, you will need the help of a veterinarian. A specialist, based on other clinical manifestations, will conduct the following studies:
- general blood analysis;
- general urine analysis;
- analysis for the level of histamine.
After carrying out all the diagnostic measures, the veterinarian prescribes a treatment regimen and gives the necessary recommendations for feeding and caring for the individual.
What to do if a calf grinds its teeth
If a calf has been diagnosed with any disease that causes creaking of teeth, then it is necessary to treat it for the underlying pathology. In all other cases, proper conditions for feeding and keeping livestock must be observed:
- high-quality drinking water and feed;
- a complete feeding ration;
- vitamins and minerals;
- daily exercise.
If these conditions are met, the problem will disappear over time.
Conclusion
If a calf grinds its teeth, it can be difficult to deal with the cause of this behavior on its own, especially if the baby has any problems with the digestive system. A veterinarian will help eliminate the pathology by conducting laboratory diagnostics and prescribing the correct therapy. The owner will be required to correct errors in nutrition and care, as well as to carry out all the necessary preventive measures.
