Staff writer
Veterinarian Jessica Laurin and her staff at Animal Health Center of Marion County in Marion have a special place in their clinic for treating baby calves that are dehydrated, sick, or weak from the cold.
Laurin said this year has been not nearly as bad as the last one because of mild temperatures, but all three stalls in a room kept at 70 degrees were occupied Tuesday.
Laurin said cattlemen often don’t have the time to focus on a failing calf.
“This is something that makes sense to delegate out,” she said.
Calves are treated intravenously with fluids and medicines appropriate to their conditions.
“With my staff, they get a lot of attention,” Laurin said.
She estimated the clinic had a success rate of 85 to 90 percent. The stalls have been in place since 1996. They have also been used for alpacas, sheep, and mini-horses.