FAWNS
BLOODY BLOATED
» FAWN HEALTH
By Dr Joe Ables, DVM, MA Nothing is more frustrating than finding a sick fawn. Many questions run through our minds what is going on? Within the first few months of life the number one problem we face with fawns is G.I. problems. A complete physical exam is critical to solve the problem. It is most important to diagnose the problem rather than just treating without knowing the problem. There are tests available to diagnose problems with fawns by examining the feces. First of all, I am not a proponent for doing bacterial cultures in feces. Feces are contaminated and do not yield a pure successful diagnosis and bacterial isolation. Fecal floatation and examination for parasites in feces is the most common and 22
North American Deer Farmer
most efficient way to produce a successful diagnosis. Fecal samples can be sent in to TVMDL at parasitologist under the request of parasite screening. Dr Craig at Texas A&M University is one of the top parasitologists in the nation. I have often heard Breeders speak of fecal samples yielding negative results. If you have fecal samples run at a local Veterinarian and the result comes back with negative, you can send the samples into TVMDL for further evaluation. One of the most common problems we encounter with ON NEXT PAGE 24»
nADeFA.org
Spring 2020
