Contents
A 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 veterinary specialist: to find the causes and eliminate them.
Why does a calf grind its teeth
The 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 carefully monitor the babies. In newborns, the final formation of organs, systems, tissues occurs, the foundations of proper digestion are laid, the gastrointestinal tract is populated with the necessary microflora. If the calf grinds its teeth, it is necessary first of all to check the quality of the feed and make sure that sand and earth particles have not got into the feeder. If, in addition to the fact that the calf grinds its teeth, it also lost its appetite, then most likely there is some problem in the baby’s digestive system. In any case, this is a serious reason to take 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 the receipt of defective milk by newborns;
- feeding the baby spoiled feed or those that are contraindicated for him by age;
- the calf’s lack of a complete diet, well-balanced and enriched with essential 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, it is necessary to pay attention to the quality of the feed.
If we consider the grinding 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 the lack of certain vitamins, trace elements, and viral infections can also cause a problem. The symptoms of the disease, in addition to grinding of teeth, include 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 tissues or are completely destroyed. In the early stages of the disease, laboratory diagnostics cannot be dispensed with, 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, preparations with selenium.
Gastroenteritis is a consequence of a violation of the diet. Poor-quality, non-diverse feed properties lead to inflammatory processes in the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines. In addition to grinding teeth in calves, diarrhea, mucus in feces, lack of appetite, and elevated body temperature are noted. To clarify the diagnosis, laboratory tests are carried out. As a treatment, a starvation diet should be used, you can feed the calf with salted warm water. Next, acidophilus milk is carefully introduced into the diet, reverse. Then you can switch to a normal feeding ration, strictly controlling the quality of the feed.
Scar parakeratosis is a disease of the gastrointestinal tract, the cause of which is errors in feeding. In addition to the grinding of teeth, the calf observes profuse salivation, weak peristalsis, and fuzzy contractions of the scar. The diagnosis is made on the basis of tests to determine the environment of the proventriculus and the level of histamine. Treatment consists in restoring the work of digestion, as well as injections of vitamin A, magnesia 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 began to grind its teeth, it will be impossible to establish the cause of this phenomenon on its own, the help of a veterinarian will be required. The specialist, based on other clinical manifestations, will conduct the following studies:
- general blood analysis;
- general urine analysis;
- analysis for histamine levels.
After carrying out all diagnostic measures, the veterinarian prescribes a treatment regimen and gives the necessary recommendations on feeding and caring for the individual.
What to do if the 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 diet;
- vitamins and microelements;
- daily exercise.
If these conditions are met, the problem will disappear over time.
Conclusion
If the calf grinds its teeth, it can be difficult to figure out the reason for this behavior on your 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 necessary preventive measures.