Anyone have any luck setting a compound leg break for a calf? I've tried twice and haven't had any luck. Both times the leg lost blood flow and I ended up putting them down after 2-3 weeks. I spoke to a vet and he didn't recommend bothering to set the leg with a compound. He said it's most humane to put them down. I have a 3 day old calf that must have gotten stepped on, and I could see a puncture on the side of its leg where the bone must have popped through. It was late and I didn't have my gun so I let it be for tonight. I'll decide tonight whether to try to set it or put it down in the morning.
Compound break
- Thread starter Lazy M
- Start date
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Silver
Well-known member
Well that sucks. I have not tried to set a break where the bone had pierced the skin. I suspect your vet is right. Sorry about your luck.
MurraysMutts
Well-known member
I've been very fortunate and not had that issue.
I'm all for giving it the best chance of survival. But maybe the vet is right. Hate that.
I'm all for giving it the best chance of survival. But maybe the vet is right. Hate that.
OBAX
Well-known member
If the calf can stand to nurse and you can keep the wound from getting infected, there's a good chance it will heal on its own. I have had broken legs heal completely in a few months time. Just be sure to monitor the wound. They are very resilient.
wbvs58
Well-known member
If you decided to give it a go I would suggest not trying to set it just let it hang, maybe something adhesive over the wound at the most. Any attempt to splint or bandage may compromise an already marginal blood supply.
Ken
Ken
We had one we tried setting a few years back. Took the cast off 4 weeks later and it was a nasty mess. Wife wouldn't let me shoot it as the vet was due here next day to test bulls.
Vet advised to give LA and leave alone. A 400 lb calf went on the truck that fall and you had to really look to see the difference. The hole through the skin in this case was smaller than a dime. I would suggest something to keep the flies away too.
Vet advised to give LA and leave alone. A 400 lb calf went on the truck that fall and you had to really look to see the difference. The hole through the skin in this case was smaller than a dime. I would suggest something to keep the flies away too.
RzrbkFarmer58
Member
Tried my luck with one today. Something I hope to never have to do again. Hoping some swelling will force the bones to calcify in some way or another because unless I am working for way too little money, I doubt doc would say they are set correctly. Calf seems to be handling okay for now. Half circle 3" PVC with cloth surrounding the injured area, along with a whole lot of duck tape. Heavy dose of LA300.
Let me be your reminder that pushing crazy cattle even in the slightest is not the right move. Be patient and use their weakness (feed, cow/calf, time of day, etc..) to let them catch themselves.
Let me be your reminder that pushing crazy cattle even in the slightest is not the right move. Be patient and use their weakness (feed, cow/calf, time of day, etc..) to let them catch themselves.
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kenny thomas
Well-known member
Looks like a good job. Hope it works
I've been around a few calves that had their leg busted
And the owners
didn't do anything with them and they all healed fine. They were all smaller than the one in your picture though. I hope yours heals up for you.
And the owners
didn't do anything with them and they all healed fine. They were all smaller than the one in your picture though. I hope yours heals up for you.
