I have a fawn that from the time she was very young we have been battling diarrhea with her. Back in December she had it and I treated her with an oral antibiotic that I had in my medicine cabinet for the deer. That worked and she got better but only for about a week, then I treated her with Draxxin, as recommended by my vet. He said the oral antibiotic can cause some problems with the rumen because it kills the good bacteria. The Draxxin worked great her diarrhea cleared up in 2 days and she was clear for about 4-5 weeks. Then it came back and I gave her the Draxxin again and she cleared up in 1 day. She has been good for the last 5-8 weeks. Now it is back yet again. I have a heard of a dozen deer. She is the only to exhibit these symptoms. This time I tranquilized her so I could administer some combi-pen-48. I gave her 1 ml of that and I am sure it will work but I need to figure out why this keeps happening to her, her alone. Any thoughts or suggestions are really appreciated.
cronic diarrhea
- Thread starter Tail White
- Start date
Did you get a fecal sample? My vet has recommended Marquis in the past, this is normally used on horses but I have used it with great results. Expensive but works... $6 a cc and is weight based last time is used it, was a 5cc dose for 60 lb fawn
Once you get the fecal sample, you will know better how to treat. If it's coccidia than it's relatively easy to treat by adding corrid to the drinking water, or otherwise Albon. If the cause is Clostridium, there might be (but not always the case) mucusy stool, or bloody stool. In that case, there is a variety of ways to treat, all of which are primarily antibiotic based treatments.
At any rate, you should start with a fecal sample at the DVMs (unfortunately). Scott Heinrich can provide detailed input.
At any rate, you should start with a fecal sample at the DVMs (unfortunately). Scott Heinrich can provide detailed input.
Yes we have had samples analyzed several times. It was tested for worms and coccidia, both were negative more than once, The vet then sent a sample to the university, they tested for ( I believe it was) Salmonellosis. This also was negative. I think all of those are fairly contagious and I would expect the symptoms in more then one deer. I am quite puzzled by this and still looking for suggestions.
Have your vet examine the possibility of Clostridial infections. They are in the soil, in the air (via spores) and they are difficult to eradicate. I believe that one farmer here suggested auremycine crumbles, but Scott Heinrich is the man to talk to. He is a frequent contributor and has tremendous experience.
You can look up Clostridia and deer on google and on www.veterinarypartner.com.
I am eager to learn more about this.
One question-- are your deer getting enough hay to eat? Do they have access to adequate forage? Are they devouring the forage and/or hay presently?
How are their appetites? Do you have good feed composition? minerals? not too much corn or grain, etc. Look into this, think about adding also probiotics which can cure digestive issues. There are two guys at least here who sell top-rated deer probiotics. Do some searches on the boards on these topics. There is plenty of information.
You can look up Clostridia and deer on google and on www.veterinarypartner.com.
I am eager to learn more about this.
One question-- are your deer getting enough hay to eat? Do they have access to adequate forage? Are they devouring the forage and/or hay presently?
How are their appetites? Do you have good feed composition? minerals? not too much corn or grain, etc. Look into this, think about adding also probiotics which can cure digestive issues. There are two guys at least here who sell top-rated deer probiotics. Do some searches on the boards on these topics. There is plenty of information.
Lanasvet,
Thank you for your post. I think the feed is a pretty good mix but I don't know how much corn is to much. I will look up my mix and post it if your interested. The feed paddock is a field and with no snow they have had access to pleanty there plus I provide baled hay both in a rack and on the ground for them, and they do eat it. But the baled hay has gone slowly since they have access to the dorment hay in the field. They also have access to plenty of forage in the woods. I added about 7 acres to their area last summer. I did give the sick on an oral probiotic seperate from but at the same time as I gave her the antibiotic. Their appetites are good they all seem to be eating well but I especially watch the sick one and she too eats well. Again thanks for the suggestions I will be looking at clostridia to see if that may be an issue here.
Thank you for your post. I think the feed is a pretty good mix but I don't know how much corn is to much. I will look up my mix and post it if your interested. The feed paddock is a field and with no snow they have had access to pleanty there plus I provide baled hay both in a rack and on the ground for them, and they do eat it. But the baled hay has gone slowly since they have access to the dorment hay in the field. They also have access to plenty of forage in the woods. I added about 7 acres to their area last summer. I did give the sick on an oral probiotic seperate from but at the same time as I gave her the antibiotic. Their appetites are good they all seem to be eating well but I especially watch the sick one and she too eats well. Again thanks for the suggestions I will be looking at clostridia to see if that may be an issue here.
I have read many posts similar to this in the past, and you Quote "I have a fawn that [/I]from the time she was very young we have been battling diarrhea with her."
There are cases where an animal has scaring from a young age in the intestinal track not allowing nutrients to be absorbed properly. This may be caused from getting an infection when young, improper development etc.
This animal may always exhibit these signs through out its life and be as healthy as it can. It may also have an immune system that is compromised because of being mineral or nutrient deficient in some way or another.
We can all agree that we would do just about anything to aid and assist our animals in a healthy lifestyle. However there comes a point in time where you may not want to look at the unsightliness of an animal with a loose stool anymore or sink any more money into proboitics, meds, and treatment.
Some of these animals are just not made to function at a high level and as with every other animal breeding industry. To advance the breed only the strongest can survive.
There are cases where an animal has scaring from a young age in the intestinal track not allowing nutrients to be absorbed properly. This may be caused from getting an infection when young, improper development etc.
This animal may always exhibit these signs through out its life and be as healthy as it can. It may also have an immune system that is compromised because of being mineral or nutrient deficient in some way or another.
We can all agree that we would do just about anything to aid and assist our animals in a healthy lifestyle. However there comes a point in time where you may not want to look at the unsightliness of an animal with a loose stool anymore or sink any more money into proboitics, meds, and treatment.
Some of these animals are just not made to function at a high level and as with every other animal breeding industry. To advance the breed only the strongest can survive.
Josh, This is something I have been considering, However in every other way she is healthy and active. She was a late comer, being born in August, yet she is of the same build as those born earlier. Also the antibiotic seems to always work making me believe it is a bacterial infection. You may be right that her immune system could be at fault, and I will not breed her unless I am confident that this is not permanent affliction. At the same time I am not ready to throw in the towel just yet.
Joined Apr 2009
524 Posts | 0+
Russell, MN
Mike....try LS 50 in the water. It worked on a buck that had the runs for years. Its old school, but I've had the best luck with LS 50 than anything else.
LS 50? Does it have a longer name? Do I get it from my vet? Sorry I am not familiar with that one.
Thanks for reccommendation though.
Thanks for reccommendation though.
Joined Apr 2009
524 Posts | 0+
Russell, MN
Lincomycin Spectinomycin Water Soluble Powder
It comes in a small package (blue and white)....its a metal type bag. Any animal health store should have. You don't need a vet's permission to get.
It comes in a small package (blue and white)....its a metal type bag. Any animal health store should have. You don't need a vet's permission to get.
Tail White said:
i have just got the end of this BUT you have better get some thing like revive ( tractor sulp, ) IN that deer , THE DEER is losen fluid big time , you have to get meds , but also you have to REHIGHDRATE THIS DEER ,