Contracted Tendons and Other Problems
There are now thirty two calves. Actually thirty three have been born but I didn't tag this one because I didn't think she would survive. Turns out I was right. Though born alive, she can't stand up, or even sit up. I've kept her alive for the first few days by tube feeding her. She is even unable to nurse. In this photo you can see her in front of the Ranger which has the tube feeding bag hanging from it. She is only sitting up because I have placed her in that position by folding her legs under her, so she will be in the right position to place the tube down her throat. She flopped over right after I took the photo.
I've consulted with my vet as to possible causes and remedies but there isn't much to be done. Likely cause is a neurologic or brain development issue. I gave her shots of both an anti-inflammatory and an antibiotic on the rare chance it is bacterial meningitis. No luck. I have tried repeatedly to lift her up, stimulate her legs, help fire those nerves, but to no avail. I"ll have to put her down or else she will starve and suffer.
In the photo below you will notice the calf has duct tape wrapped around his front hooves. Since birth this calf has had trouble walking. He can stand up, but his front legs buckle at the ankle due to contracted tendons not allowing the front legs to straighten. I've had this happen before. Sometimes they simply grow out of it in a few days. He is not improving very quickly, so I've wrapped his legs in cast padding and vet wrap. Then I splint the legs straight with PVC splints and duct tape. I also give him a shot of a tetracycline antibiotic which rapidly binds with calcium allowing for muscle and tendon relaxation. I learned that last nifty part from my amazing vet, who is probably tiring of my phone calls.
Friday, March 29, 2013 at 01:43PM
Reader Comments (2)
I'm struck by how sterile my life is compared to you rancher/farmers. I rarely am faced with the passing of life and the tough decisions that you all need to make on a much more regular basis. I think many of us, the general American public, would have a paradigm shift if we experienced similar situations.
You know a lot of doctoring stuff.