Help!!!

[Briar Ridge Angus]

Had a calf born around the first of the year, within the last week he has gone from perfectly normal to a large portion of his back being without hair and what looks like an open wound. He hasn’t stopped eating and doesn’t acts as though he is fine. Any help on how to resolve this issue would be greatly appreciated. Can’t figure out the picture posting but I do have a picture of it.

[Bright Raven]

It could be rain rot (Dermatophilosis). A neighbor has a calf with it right now. It is due to all the rain we have had. Their hair stays damp and they get an infection caused by Dermatophilus congolensis. The treatment is an antibiotic and keeping the skin dry. Here is a picture of the calf my friend has:

[Redgully]

I have never seen or even heard of that before. Good to have that information. Probably not a problem where I am but you never know.

[Briar Ridge Angus]

Bright Raven that is exactly what it looks like! What kind of antibiotic?

[wbvs58]

Penicillin will usually suffice, that and liberal application of the "tincture of time".

Ken

[Bright Raven]

As Ken stated. Penicillin is effective. Dermatophilus congolensis is a gram positive bacterium. If you use another antibiotic, be sure it is effective against Gram positive bacteria.

Keep the calf dry if you have a shelter.

Edited to add: the hair will come back. So don't worry.