diphtheria treatment protocol

i have a customer who bought a heifer from me several months ago.  about 3 weeks ago he called to tell me that she was breathing with a rasp when he had her tied up.  she seemed to be ok when he let her go.  I figured she was getting cut off a little from the halter and didn't pay anymore attention.  about a week later he told me that she was doing it while she ate, but her appetite and appearance was good.  We discussed it and treated with nuflor to knock out any underlying infections.  that seemed to help for a little bit but a couple days later (10 days ago) she was off feed and running a temp of 104.  had vet out and he diagnosed her with diphtheria and treated her with Draxxin.  The heifer seemed to come around a little bit, but today she seems to be in some discomfort again.  I have never dealt with Diphtheria and was hoping to get some protocol recommendations from the planet.  I think we need to hit her with Draxxin again and probably get her on some Dex and LA 200.  How much and how often ? any other successful treatment methods?

Chap

We have had excellent luck treating diptheria with Tylan injectable.  Follow label directions.

Have had diphtheria in the past and treated with penicillin about dble the dose and a good shot of dexamethazone.

get an antihistamine

Have had good results with LA200 or generic equal. I guess that the antihistamine wouldn't hurt. Brent

CAB,
What kind of dosage and treatment schedule would you use on the LA200.  I have read that most treatments will take some time and are lenghty in duration.

  To be quite honest with you, it was either 1979 or 1980 that I had a cow with it. I had her isolated and think that I only treated her twice 3 days apart. I'm sure that I would have used 5cc/100lbs strong. If you have her in and treat yourself you may want to hold her in and decide if she needs a 3rd dose. I had very good response, but did get her in immediately and started treatment. Would probably call to ask your vet if this is still the best protocol. I think that it will work and not cost too much. Brent

We have had a couple of 250# calves with it.  I would followup with the vet and see what he thinks (repeat Draxxin is my guess).

I think that Draxxin and other similar modern antibiotics that the vet can give you are SO much better for me than the standard old LA200 I keep around for foot rot etc.  Even this cheap ol farmer will pay for something special for the kids calf.  The risk is too high to not call.

Mark

This is our feedlot protocol.

-One you go with Nuflor day one and then follow up with dexemethazone for three days after.  (seems to work on most calves and we will also through in a trivetrin or borgal sometimes with the dex)

-Or for fat cattle we will go with Excenel and Dexemethazone for a three to a five day treat.

Nuflor has worked well for me in the past.  In theory pen should work as well.  I have not had much luck with Draxxin or Micotil for these, dex can be given but careful with that. 

Chap, how's the heifer getting along by now? Brent