Down heifer

[Hereford2]

Friend has a 15 month old heifer, she's been in with the bull almost her whole life. Last night she was having trouble walking and was weak in her front end. She was lifting her front feet really high while she was walking. She walked 2/3 of the way up a really steep hill and she laid down this morning she was laying on her side head back eyes staring but not moving legs straight out. After giving her a full 500ml bottle of Calcium and Magnesium for cattle. She started blinking lifting her head and looking around and twitching her ears. She's still having trouble controlling her legs, getting them under her. She's currently propped up so she doesn't lay flat. Guy they talked to thought she may have milk fever and or be low on Magnesium. She doesn't have an udder, she is very round in the middle. Owner doesn't think she is pregnant. She was a bottle calf she is about half the size she should be for her age. Any advice?

 

[redcowsrule33]

I'd make sure she isn't rabid.

 

[TCRanch]

Bloated? If she's been with a bull, possibly a spinal issue? I'd tell your friend to get a vet out ASAP. Or at the very least, take pics/videos and send them to his vet if they can't/won't make a farm call.

 

[farmerjan]

If the heifer is 15 months, and in with the bull her whole life, why would the owner think she is NOT pregnant??? If nothing else, if she was in heat, the bull could have injured her... they have been known to try to mount in different directions... of it there is that much of a hill, then some possibility of slipping?

That said, giving calcium/mag is not going to do much if there is no real good reason for a diagnosis of that... no udder, thinks she is not pregnant..... Even if she is pregnant, unless that area is known to be extremely deficient, it is very unlikely she would be having issues if there is no udder so not close to calving... older cow, possible... heifer, not likely.

I agree they need a vet out...taking a blood sample if the vet is unsure of a diagnosis.... and yes, rabies would be a possibility.... and anyone that has been in any contact will have to be treated if she has them....

Were they just turned out to a lush growth pasture???? Grass tetany possibility???? So, the mag might have helped that....

 

[Hereford2]

How do you find out if she has rabies? Can animals with rabies swallow? She swallows water if you syringe it into her mouth

 

[Hereford2]

I was in contact with her . With rubber gloves on, I don't think I got any saliva on my skin. How common are rabies in cattle? The calcium and Magnesium was oral. So I helped them sringe it into her mouth and she swallowed all of it. I doubt the owners will get her tested. Now I'm concerned .....

 

[Hereford2]

I just talked to the guy he said she is drinking water and eating some. She was turned from a dry lot straight onto pasture about a week ago. She's had 2 bottles of the calcium and Magnesium 12 hours apart. She's around 500 pounds Half Holstein half Angus.

 

[NIdahoShorthorns]

Were they just turned out to a lush growth pasture???? Grass tetany possibility???? So, the mag might have helped that....

Since the magnesium seems to be helping, I'd agree with this.

 

[farmerjan]

Turning from a dry lot straight out to pasture is a recipe for problems... usually it would have affected her sooner/faster... I would say it could very well be grass tetany...