NOjkwilson":8fhi9o7b said:Has it been broken?
even when she urinates, etc. This is causing her to attract more flie, etc.aussie_cowgirl":2fuopnr0 said:At all? Even when she is urinating etc?
She did not do this at first, it was about a month or so after she gave birth that we noted this. We have separated her with a few others where she can get more feed etc. We are also looking into weening her calf early since she is like this in hopes that it will help. (calved in May)aussie_cowgirl":17na0ziu said:Hmm, well if she's not even swatting flies it seems that she's probably had some nerve damage which could mean she can't actually feel her tail. If it happened directly after she gave birth it could have been due to the birth itself. I guess it may be temporary like I have seen with cows sometimes (some cows when they give birth become paralysed in the hind quarters for a few hours, it's unusual but I have seen it happen) but if it's been a while it could be a permanent thing. And being a nerve issue the only way to fix it would probably be surgery which would be extremely costly. I'd be concerned though because if she isn't moving her tail it could result in all sorts of infections especially in the reproductive tract. How long has it been since she gave birth?
Thank you for your input, closing for now as it is getting late here in the States (USA)aussie_cowgirl":30rg18kq said:I wouldn't wean the calf off yet because that wouldn't be the reason why she's like that. Perhaps she got the tail caught or something like that. If you grab the tail does she notice? Maybe do a few tests like twisting the tail etc to see if you get a reaction. If she can't move it, it means the tail isn't receiving the nerve impulses/instructions from the brain telling it to move. It might seem extreme but I don't think there is a lot you will be able to do about it. You could ring the vet to get his opinion, but I think with that serious risk of infection, coupled with the fact she may not rebreed if she can't move her tail for a bull, there will be a lot of work involved with this cow in the future and you may want to think whether you are prepared to put in this extra effort.
I need to go to uni now but I will be back later on. Best of luck.
Keren":2bgp5tir said:aussie brings up some good points.
I'm wondering whether docking might be an option? not ideal for welfare purposes, I know, but might extend her useful breeding life
Would other health risks be created from having that area exposed though?