Constipated calf?

[garnetann]

I have a 7 week old bottle calf, been doing great. She has been on grass and eating calf creep for about 3 weeks. Doing great, great appetite. But today, she did not want her bottle. I noticed her poop was pellets instead of patties and she did not eat any of her calf creep. I did give her about half a bottle of milk, but she was not enthusiastic about it at all. Her tummy looks a little full, but not bloated, just full. I gave her a dose of probiotics and a teaspoonful of mineral oil. She is not her usual ball of fire. Any suggestions?

 

[dun]

Does she have fresh water at all times?

 

[garnetann]

Yes, a five gallon bucket, and a bowl, the bowl gets filled several times a day and the bucket I dump and refill a couple times a week. She is up and around now. Ears up, stretches when stands up, and still alert and curious, but definately not herself. Hoping she is feeling better in the morning.

 

[branguscowgirl]

If it truely is "constipation" you should see her straining to defecate. You can give her a saline enema. The child size only. Light pressure, don't force it.
If she is constipated, she probably is not drinking enough water for the type of feed she is eating.
With that said, it is pretty rare for a calf to get constipated.

 

[jerry27150]

the probiotics & mineral oil should help her if she is constipated, I would have used more mineral oil.

 

[garnetann]

I don't know, she was fine and dandy the next day. I gave her some more probiotics for good measure, maybe she ate something that did not agree with her. but her poop is back to lumps instead of pebbles.