Diarrhea and hypoproteinemia in the calf of a mastitic dam

The case report is given of a female calf which presented at 1 wk of age with malaise and failure to gain; the dam had active mastitis in both rear quarters. Despite treatment, the calf remained hypoproteinaemic and had diarrhoea. Examination of blood from the calf suggested hypoimmunoglobulinaemia due to failure to obtain colostrum. Parenteral administration of blood plasma from the dam led to improvement and recovery. The connection between mastitis in the dam and failure of passive transfer of colostrum to the calf is discussed.