I have another question(s), but first let me say I'm not trying to diagnose and treat this calf via internet forum. I'm only trying to gain knowledge and as many opinions/possibilities of what the problem with this calf is. I will be calling the vet in the morning to ask these same questions, and promise not tell him "well, the folks on the CT boards said.........." :lol2: And for those of you who don't know, I am relatively new to raising my own cattle. I am a for profit operation, but also take very good care of my animals, even if sometimes means I lose on one.
I've been doing some reading about selenium deficiency AND selenium overdose.
Copy/Paste from another website: "INDICATIONS BO-SE (selenium, vitamin E) is recommended for the prevention and treatment of white muscle disease (Selenium-Tocopherol Deficiency) syndrome in calves, lambs, and ewes. Clinical signs are: Stiffness and lameness, diarrhea and unthriftiness, pulmonary distress and/or cardiac arrest"
OK, the only clinical sign above that this calf has exhibited would be "lameness", specifically the hind legs, moreso the right hind leg. So, my question is: If this calf has nerve/spinal injury, will the selenium help, and more importantly, can it hurt???
From same website copy/paste: "WARNINGS Anaphylactoid reactions, some of which have been fatal, have been reported in animals administered BO-SE Injection. Signs include excitement, sweating, trembling, ataxia, respiratory distress and cardiac dysfunction."
This calf is now panting just a bit. Started this late morning after I gave the second injection at about 9am. The calf has nursed at least twice since 7am this morning, and for the longest duration(s) to date. Last of 3 injections scheduled for Tuesday morning. So, now I'm curious if I'm helping or harming the situation, or if it makes no difference if I give the injection on Tuesday?? Any takers??
Calf doesn't pant when standing, just while laying. It's 93 degrees and humid, but calf is in shade with nice breeze. When I rub my hand down her back/spine she grunts when I get on the area just above the pointy hip bones/just forward of the tailhead. Seems like a discomfort for her more than pain. Maybe she's grunting because I'm stimulating something?
Also, calf does not have loose stool at all, in fact maybe a bit too solid for a calf. Pee and poop are both kind of brightish yellow. I thought maybe this could be the B complex.