calf problem

[Limomike]

Been a while since I have had any calf problems, but now have a heifer calf that is two weeks old, and I still have to go lift it up to get it moving, so it will suck from its momma. Yes, I have them both penned up, and have been since about day 4. It was born fine, no problems that I could see, just standing up and sucking on momma cow that first day. Didnt get a chance to check it the 2nd day, but the 3rd day it was wandering around without its momma, and was visibly weak, and limping on its left hind leg. That is when I decided to put them both up. Had to milk out the momma, because the calf would not feed as much from her as I anticipated. The calf is now fattened up, but is still not acting like it wants to get up on its own; even when momma cow is really close to her. Never had a calf take this long to get up and about. Wearing me the "bleep" out with this 3-4 times a day feeding. Any ideas of what might be causing this problem?
More facts: Dam is a full blood beefmaster 10 years old, sire is full blood Limi. She was the last one to calf out of my herd, and I know its a late calver. Now thinking I might get sell her soon as this calf is weaned.

 

[hillsdown]

First thought is did you iodine the naval when it was born?

Sounds like a naval infection........joint ill. So check for that..

Next I would give it B12 ,AD, and selenium. Orally or a needle.

If it is joint ill call your vet to get a detailed treatment regimen because it is going to be a long haul.

Also, did you check for an injury and did your calf get the required amount of colostrum when it was first born?

 

[Limomike]

First thought is did you iodine the naval when it was born?

Sounds like a naval infection........joint ill. So check for that..

Next I would give it B12 ,AD, and selenium. Orally or a needle.

If it is joint ill call your vet to get a detailed treatment regimen because it is going to be a long haul.

Also, did you check for an injury and did your calf get the required amount of colostrum when it was first born?

No, I didnt iodine the naval... never have, and never had this problem. But as they say...never say never.
Sounds like joint ill might be a possibility, but the naval area was never swollen or infected looking. Might just have to call the vet out. Calf is sucking fine, but it moves very very slowly (almost like it has arthritis) I walk it around the pen making sure it gets around before it lays back down. This could be a long haul thing as you say. :(

 

[K2011]

We had a joint ill calf in December....your calf's symoptoms sound alot like our joint ill calf (his was in the right back leg though)

 

[DOC HARRIS]

I agree with all that hillsdown said. One thing that I would suggest is that you check - very carefully - if the dam accidentally stepped on the calf, or damaged a leg. Maybe she has a tender teat, and kicked the calf when it was nursing.

DOC HARRIS

 

[Limomike]

Thanks for all the help and adivce. The damn could have injured it in some way, but like I said, it looks like this is going to take some time. This calf looks healthy enough now (since its been feeding 3-4 times a day) but it will not get up on its own. Just never had this happen before. Guess thats part of the adventure of raising cattle... :shock:

 

[hillsdown]

Mike when you lose your first animal to this it tends to make you change your practices a bit. This is one of the most heart wrenching illnesses a calf can get because they were born healthy.

Iodining the naval makes sure it is clean and disinfected from all bacteria as well it helps the naval to heal and close up quickly so the calf will avoid any future contamination in that area. The naval is a very sensitive area because remember that is where the umbilical cord was attached and when it breaks during birth it is wide open, also the fact that most moms are sucking on it all the time doesn't help either so you want it closed and healed over as soon as possible. It is a simple practice and one of the best precautions you can take to avoid the infection.

Good luck with her and definitely get her checked by your vet to start her on immediate treatment ,the faster you start the more of a chance you will have in saving her. :tiphat: