Navel infection, also called "joint ill," is an infection spread throughout the body after bacteria enter the navel cord soon after birth. The infection often settles in joints and causes swelling and lameness. Joint ill is difficult to treat, and permanently injured joints may result. Sometimes, calves develop one or more swollen joints shortly after birth due to a navel infection (navel ill). This is a serious disease condition caused by bacteria entering the navel and entering the bloodstream. The resulting septicemia, or blood poisoning, may localize in the joints (commonly the carpus or the hock). This is a debilitating bacterial infection that must be treated aggressively to prevent death or crippling arthritis. Consult with your veterinarian about an appropriate treatment for navel ill. Better yet, to prevent navel ill, assure that calves are born in a sanitary environment and thoroughly apply strong iodine to the navel at birth.

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