Calf won’t stand

Cjackson5351 · Apr 22, 2025

I have a week old calf. He was born with a bent knee on his front leg so one leg is kind of halfway bent, but it's getting better. It's just constricted tendons. He should be able to stand with it at this point.

Anyways… he still won't stand or even try to stand.
He's had a shot of selenium, he's had antibiotics to prevent navel infection and help the constricted tendons, he takes a bottle really well, he had colostrum, he's very bright/alert. I even tried the Madagan squeeze on him. I now put him in a sling a few times a day but he just dangles his legs and doesn't even try to stand on them.
Any other tips to get him up?
TIA

TCRanch · Apr 22, 2025

The preemie in my lap in my avatar pic couldn't stand for 10 days, but not due to contracted tendons. Lots of physical therapy and Vitamin B Complex! I'd stand her over a small square hay bale, which is essentially what you're doing with the sling. But I'd also walk with her, supporting her between my legs. Maybe try stretching and working his legs? Ever been in a hospital for an extended period of time? The PT crew will stretch, work, exercise your legs to build up strength.

sunnyblueskies · Apr 22, 2025

Is he with the cow outside? Or penned up by himself? I find lazy to get up calves get more animated when they are out with the cows and other calves.
Also, he might have a pinched nerve in the spinal cord. We had one like that many many years ago. Difficult birth, first time heifer, calf couldn't stand for a few weeks. The Vet back then gave anti inflammatories to bring possible nerv swelling down. It worked, she got better and grew up great.