Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Calves

Respiratory disease syndrome (RDS) is a condition of neonatal calves in which insufficient oxygen uptake and increased retention of carbon dioxide result in respiratory acidosis. This condition is more common in premature calves and seems to be associated with a deficiency of surfactant. Although there is no uniform definition of RDS, clinical signs appear as tachypnea and expiration accentuated by an abdominal lift and expiratory grunt, and they occur in association with characteristic blood gas changes. This article discusses the pathophysiology of RDS in calves, along with the clinical findings, diagnosis, and treatment options.