04/24/2026
⚠️ Graphic Content Disclaimer ⚠️
The following post discusses a serious and sometimes fatal condition in calves and is accompanied by graphic images for educational purposes.
🐂 Abomasal Ulcers in Suckling Calves 🐂
As the end of calving season approaches, we want to highlight a condition we occasionally see in younger calves: abomasal ulcers.
These ulcers can develop quickly and, unfortunately, may become fatal with little warning. These are most common in suckling beef calves between 1 and 3 months of age.
🔍 Signs to Watch For:
- Sudden weakness or depression
- Grinding teeth, kicking at belly (signs of abdominal discomfort)
- Bloating in some cases
- Calves that were nursing and acting normal, then rapidly decline
🌬️ What Causes It?
Most cases come down to a few key factors:
👉 Stress (weather, usually)
👉 Irregular nursing (weak calves or inconsistent intake)
👉 Underlying illness (scours, pneumonia)
- Think of a calf hunkered down on a windy day that doesn't want to get up and nurse until the wind dies down, and then goes and gorges itself because it realizes it's starving.
⚠️ Why It’s Concerning
One of the most challenging aspects of abomasal ulcers is how quickly things can change. A calf may appear completely normal one day—bright, nursing, and active—and be found dead the next. In some cases, internal bleeding or perforation occurs before outward signs are noticed. These pictures depict a post-mortem exam where perforated ulcers were found in the abomasum, as well as areas of ulceration that were attempting to heal or had not yet perforated.
📞 What You Can Do:
Monitor calves closely, especially during weather fluctuations
Provide adequate windbreaks and shelter
Ensure proper nutrition and strong early colostrum intake
Contact your veterinarian promptly if you notice any concerning signs
If you have questions or concerns about your herd, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help.
