Navel Care

Prevention Is Critical to Proper Navel Care

• Maintain a clean, sanitary maternity pen.
• Remove the calf as soon as possible after birth.
• Wear exam gloves (nitrile or other materials are acceptable) when handling wet navels.
• Remove bedding or any other foreign material from the navel and dip the navel with 7 percent iodine tincture or a commercial navel dip product.
• Change the solution and clean the dip cups between each calf.
• Try disposable bathroom paper cups to make cleanup easy!
• Do not cut or clamp the navel cord unless directed by a veterinarian.
• Dipping is preferred over spraying to ensure even coverage of the navel cord.
• Navel dipping can be repeated once the calf is moved to a permanent housing location or within 24 hours.
• Check the navel daily for pain, swelling, or foul odor.
• Navels will typically take 7–10 days to heal.

Goals for Navel Care

• Dry
• Well healed
• Pain free
• No swelling
• Closed or no hernia
• Inflexible or shriveled cord

Symptoms of a Problem

• Swollen navel
• Pain or signs of discomfort
• Visible hernia sac
• Drainage or foul odor

Complications

• Lethargy
• Pain or swelling
• Decreased appetite
• Labored breathing
• Joint swelling
• Septic infections
• Death

Prepared by Dr. Hayley Springer, extension veterinarian, and Cassie Yost, extension dairy educator.

This fact sheet, including its text, graphics, and images ("Content"), is for educational purposes only; it is not intended to be a substitute for veterinary medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a licensed doctor of veterinary medicine or other licensed or certified veterinary medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a veterinary medical condition or symptom.