Heifer born fine now listless HELP

[tararadel]

She is 1 week old and at day 1 and 2 she was great, nursed and was getting around. She's pretty big. Then day 5 she was laying down and hadn't nursed and just seemed listless. We have milked the cow and drenched baby that night and for 2 more days about a quart twice a day. She is still very very weak and it appears she hasn't peed or pooped. Are we under-feeding - what else can we look for? Help.

 

[milkmaid]

First...calf needs at least a gallon of milk per day. That's two quarts twice a day.

Not sure about the rest. I'd probably try some electrolytes and vitamins/minerals of some sort -prior to trying antibiotics, since you don't know for sure if she needs antibiotics. Sometimes just the elec/vit combo is all they need. Vitamin B12 complex helps their appetite. Bo-Se (selenium & vit E) is what I give to everything that looks or acts "weak" along with whatever other treatment they need. Have given a Vit A & D combo as well.

What do you have on hand?

 

[ffamom]

Take the calf's temperature. Anything above 102.5 could indicate an infection. Atleast that way you know if antibiotics are needed or not.

 

[ffamom]

On second thought, you might have a navel infection. You might want to search the boards for navel ill.

 

[Jeanne - Simme Valley]

Above posts are right - but first thing is TEMP her! Whenever ANYTHING is listless, take their temperature.
Think about yourself. If you are running a fever, you feel like a RAG. If she has a fever - use antibiotics fast.