FKS - Floppy Kid Syndrome

Floppy Kid Syndrome:

• Affects kids from 3-21 days of age. Some get it younger or older, they can have it twice
• Is found in dam raised kids, as well as bottle raised kids.
• Is caused by clostridial type AE bacteria.
• Clostridial bacteria, such as Tetanus live in the ground.
• Is treatable if caught early.
• Is usually found in late spring kids after the weather warms up. Here in Texas late April & May is FKS season.

Symptoms:

• First symptom is a wobbly or unsteady gate. If you see a kid cross his back legs when he is walking or runs a few steps and stumble he is probably in the early stages of FKS.
• Kids seem to eat dirt have dirty mouths and faces.
• Does have strutted udders. You can tell their kid has not nursed well.
• You can sneak up & catch pasture kids, they don't try to run off.
• Dam raised kids tend to be hollow, haven't nursed & appear to be weak.
• Bottle kids tend to show the more prominent full belly the gut shuts down & the milk stays in the stomachs. The kids seem to slosh when shaken. These kids need treated with Pepto or Baking Soda.
• Kids become lethargic unable to stand & eventually unable to even hold their heads up they become flat unable to control any muscles.
• Some kids run high fevers others do not.
• Some kids show signs of respiratory distress some don't. Inexperienced observers may diagnose these kids as having pneumonia.

Treatment:

• If caught early enough (kids that are just starting to stumble) kids can be left on their dams. Treatment needs to be continued for 3 days even if the kids act fine on day 2.
• Treat daily for 3 days with:
• 500mg Thiamine or 5cc FORTIFIED B Complex
• 2cc penicillin
• This can be mixed together & given orally.
• If the kids are flat when you find them give the following in addition to the above treatment:
• 1cc penicillin SQ
• Electrolytes or 50% dextrose given orally do not give milk if their gut has shut down -Tube feeding may be necessary.
• Probiotics mix with electrolytes to start the good bacteria going in the gut.
• If the kids are out with their dams be careful they don't get out in the sun & try to cook. These kids tend to seek out the sunny spots & dehydrate quickly.
• If the kid's gut is full and is not functioning a dose of Pepto-Bismol and/or baking soda will help.
• If the kid is flat:
• Prop him up on his brisket & hold his head & neck up with a rolled up towel
• Keep kids hydrated tube feed electrolytes or 50% dextrose.
• Withhold milk until the kids has been up and moving well for 8 hours.
• Don't let him get too cold or too hot.