Calf scours sometimes referred to as enteritis (inflammation of the intestines), doesn’t refer to a specific disease. It’s a symptom – diarrhea – that is associated with a variety of diseases that occur within the first month of a calf’s life. Diarrhea makes it difficult for a calf’s body to absorb water. Considering a calf’s body is about 70% water when it’s born, scours can quickly cause dehydration, triggering electrolyte (sodium and potassium) loss, acidosis (acid buildup), and even death.