Calf won’t stand

[5starfarms]

This am I had a calf born unobserved. It was born in the muck. I got the calf in the barn with some ice dry straw. I wasn't sure how long it had been born so I gave it 2 qts of colostrum. He drank with no problem. Mid afternoon I realized he hadn't stood up. Called the vet. He told me to give him banamine, dexamethasone, vitamin A D & E, and Bo-se. He still wouldn't stand but drank another 2 qts of colostrum. I did pick him up to stand. He stood a little bit then tried to walk. His legs appear to be deformed or something. I had two other calves born earlier this year with constricted tendons. They grew out of them. The second calf has really nobby knees. She was just born about two weeks ago. I tried to attach a video of him trying to walk. But it will not allow me to upload it. I am going to attach a picture.

 

[Travlr]

Back legs look strange. Like the bone has a significant curve below the hock. Or maybe that's the tip of the tail that I'm taking for the hock? I'm not sure the upper part is set up right either. Bad position in utero?

 

[ez14.]

congenital chondrodystrophy

 

[Dave]

Any lupine where you live?

 

[Silver]

Looks like fawn calf syndrome. Probably not but has that appearance.

 

[5starfarms]

congenital chondrodystrophy

What is the cause? I looked up pictures and I would agree that's what it looks like. He seems to be of good size however I do understand that doesn't mean anything

 

[Travlr]

Is this all new? Just this year?

 

[Lucky]

Had one two days ago with odd back legs. They look close to what your picture shows. This calf gets around but walks a bit strange. Hopefully they'll grow out of it.

 

[kdhansen]

What is the cause? I looked up pictures and I would agree that's what it looks like. He seems to be of good size however I do understand that doesn't mean anything

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/prevent_calf_abnormalities_by_managing_beef_cow_diets Feed, nutrition???

 

[ez14.]

What is the cause? I looked up pictures and I would agree that's what it looks like. He seems to be of good size however I do understand that doesn't mean anything

It's thought to be a nutritional deal but I don't believe they actually know for sure what causes it. What have you been feeding your herd in the last 6 months?

 

[Travlr]

It's thought to be a nutritional deal but I don't believe they actually know for sure what causes it. What have you been feeding your herd in the last 6 months?

What is the cause? I looked up pictures and I would agree that's what it looks like. He seems to be of good size however I do understand that doesn't mean anything

Congenital chondrodystrophy? It's... congenital. Are you using a new bull? Some kind of new feed, or stopped using something?

 

[ez14.]

Congenital chondrodystrophy? It's... congenital. Are you using a new bull? Some kind of new feed, or stopped using something?

Not quite. Congenital means it is present at birth. Congenital issues could be genetic or from issues in utero

 

[5starfarms]

It's thought to be a nutritional deal but I don't believe they actually know for sure what causes it. What have you been feeding your herd in the last 6 months?

I felt like it could also be nutritional. My cows have been getting 14% alfalfa Timothy mix hay. And a selenium mineral lick. We have had several really cold spells. I feel like the cows in general have dropped a little weight. This particular heifer that calved Looks pretty good. The only thing I can think of is nutrition. I talked to my vet he didn't think that was the issue…

 

[5starfarms]

Congenital chondrodystrophy? It's... congenital. Are you using a new bull? Some kind of new feed, or stopped using something?

Everything has stayed the same…that's why I'm thinking what ez said could be the issue…nutrition.

 

[5starfarms]

Any lupine where you live?

Not that I am aware of

 

[5starfarms]

Is this all new? Just this year?

Yes. With that said this is the first year I have had more than 3 cows calving. We are now breeding and raising all of our own cattle.

 

[5starfarms]

Yes. With that said this is the first year I have had more than 3 cows calving. We are now breeding and raising all of our own cattle.

He did stand up this am on his own

 

[ez14.]

I felt like it could also be nutritional. My cows have been getting 14% alfalfa Timothy mix hay. And a selenium mineral lick. We have had several really cold spells. I feel like the cows in general have dropped a little weight. This particular heifer that calved Looks pretty good. The only thing I can think of is nutrition. I talked to my vet he didn't think that was the issue…

Did you read the article kdhansen posted?

 

[Travlr]

Yes. With that said this is the first year I have had more than 3 cows calving. We are now breeding and raising all of our own cattle.

Maybe we could get something out of the way that may be on some people's minds... is the bull related to the cow? (cows?)