A simplified scored system for the diagnosis of diarrhea and respiratory diseases in dairy calves

Abstract

ObjectiveTo compare the capacity of a simplified calf health scoring chart (SIM score) with the University of Wisconsin´s calf health scoring chart (WIN score) for diagnosis of calf diarrhea and calf respiratory disease (RD).Animals and ProceduresHolstein calves (n = 222) were clinically evaluated for diarrhea and RD diagnosis using the WIN and SIM scores. The WIN score was based on fecal consistency for diagnosis of diarrhea (0 = normal consistency to 3 = watery feces; score ≥2 = positive diagnosis); and nasal discharge, ocular discharge, coughing, ear position, and rectal temperature for diagnosis of RD (each clinical sign receives a score of 0 to 3; aggregate score ≥5 = positive diagnosis). The SIM score was based on a hide cleanliness score for diagnosing diarrhea (0 = negative [calf was clean], and 1 = positive [tail head region, thighs or/and legs are soiled]); and nasal discharge, ocular discharge, coughing and ear position for diagnosis of RD (rectal temperature measurement was not required; each clinical sign had two levels of severity; aggregate score ≥5 = positive diagnosis). Results In the RD diagnosis, the SIM score had a sensitivity of 88.24%, a specificity of 95.01%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 55.56%, and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 99.13%. In the diarrhea diagnosis, the SIM score had a sensitivity of 94.62%, a specificity of 49.64%, a PPV of 18.22%, and a NPV of 98.73%. ConclusionCompared with the WIN score, the SIM score is a reliable test for diagnosing RD but not for diagnosing diarrhea. 16.1.1.112.-