Concern or No?
- Thread starter ClinchValley86
- Start date
SBMF 2015
Well-known member
I would probably splint them with a piece of pvc pipe, vet wrap and duct tape for a few days and see if that helps.
OP
OP
He gets around perfectly fine. Shows no signs of having trouble. Seems it's bothering me more than he.
SBMF 2015
Well-known member
Sometimes the hardest thing to do is nothing.
No concern. It will be what it will be.
OP
OP
Spreading some wisdom this morning!!!
Benign neglect, no splints. At least in my world.
Dave
Well-known member
I believe the first time I read the term "benign neglect" it was written by Dun. I had been practicing it for years and didn't even realize it.
coachg
Well-known member
Don't splint ! If it's getting around ok it will only get stronger.
simme
Old Dumb Guy
I am no expert, but I think there are two issues. Looks like there is an issue with contracted tendons. That issue usually presents with the feet/hooves turned back under and the calf trying to walk on the front of the pasterns. Does not look like that is the issue here, but the knee seems too far forward relative to the feet and the elbow. But since he is getting around fine, I don't see any reason to do anything. I suspect that the tendons will stretch if they are the issue.
The other thing is the very wide set between the attachment points of the front legs - the pit bulldog look that you mentioned. I have seen that before a few times. I don't know if it is genetic or just something random. But it looks odd and seems like that trait would be contrary to calving ease. Some people think it is associated with heavy muscling, but I think it is not desirable.
Hoping one of the vets here will offer an opinion.
The other thing is the very wide set between the attachment points of the front legs - the pit bulldog look that you mentioned. I have seen that before a few times. I don't know if it is genetic or just something random. But it looks odd and seems like that trait would be contrary to calving ease. Some people think it is associated with heavy muscling, but I think it is not desirable.
Hoping one of the vets here will offer an opinion.
OP
OP
I can agree with most of that, but you're as expert as is needed right now.
He is different, that's for sure. Never know what's hidden in the ol woodpile around here.
I hadn't really noticed the knees being outward. Kept getting stuck staring at the shoulder set.
The ones you've seen, they grow alright still? Hopefully he will make a beef.
Travlr
Well-known member
A neighbor had one like that and raised him for beef. His was a little more crippled up than yours but I only saw him at least half grown. His legs never straightened and were worse, but he was frisky and I don't think he suffered.I can agree with most of that, but you're as expert as is needed right now.
He is different, that's for sure. Never know what's hidden in the ol woodpile around here.
I hadn't really noticed the knees being outward. Kept getting stuck staring at the shoulder set.
The ones you've seen, they grow alright still? Hopefully he will make a beef.
There is a bulldog gene. Not very familiar with it, though. Fortunately!!
Few years ago, I had a heifer calf that was the opposite, with her legs bowed in. Butt ugly thing and sweet as pie, fortunately grew out of it. Or into it? None of the dams calves since have shown any irregularity. Which is a good thing, since I've kept 2 of her subsequent heifers.
simme
Old Dumb Guy
I have not seen one as a calf, but as a yearling bull. I think those were related to muscle pattern and amount of feed.
The only bulldog gene I know of is associated with dwarfism. I think the name comes from the short muzzle on the affected calves. I don't think that is the issue with the calf in the picture.
I would expect he will make an ok beef. Keep us posted.
Tailwinds Land & Cattle
Member
Pulled a huge one in the pasture a couple months ago exactly like that and he turned out fine. I thought for sure he was a cripple or double jointed. Thought I messed him up pulling but I don't think so. Was a long delivery and heifer left him. He didn't get up for 12 hours and didn't walk for a couple days. When he did finally get up he walked and eventually ran with a funny gait. Like you said, looked like a pit bull but he eventually grew into his legs and shoulders and is now a spoiled bottle calf growing like a weed. He is already pretty much weaned and bigger than our one late fall bottle calf.
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Had a triplet kid with same legs looked like crab legs. , google said no room befor born, Did therapy on the legs 4/5 times a day for couple months, straighten out doing great.
OP
OP
He has just about started standing normal. Front legs seem closer together and they've straightened out.
Thinking yall were right about the tendons being tight. It'd appear that may have been the shoulder thing as well. Had them pulled outward, unable to relax maybe.
Thinking yall were right about the tendons being tight. It'd appear that may have been the shoulder thing as well. Had them pulled outward, unable to relax maybe.
