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

Abstract

Objective: To 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 the diagnosis of calf diarrhea and calf respiratory disease (RD). Animals and procedures: Holstein 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 (O = feces of normal consistency to 3 = watery feces; score >= 2 = positive diagnosis); and on nasal discharge, ocular discharge, coughing, ear position, and rectal temperature for diagnosis of RD (each clinical sign receives a score of Oto 3; aggregate score >= 5 = positive diagnosis). The SIM score was based on a hide cleanliness score for diagnosis of diarrhea [O = negative (calf was clean) and 1 = positive (tail head region, thighs, and/or legs were soiled)]; and on nasal discharge, ocular discharge, coughing, and ear position for diagnosis of RD (rectal temperature measurement was not required and each clinical sign had 2 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 an NPV of 98.73%. Conclusion: Compared with the WIN score, the SIM score is a reliable test for diagnosing RD but not for diagnosing diarrhea.