Lump jaw or ???

[jwimberly]

Got a heifer calf with a lump on her neck/jaw. It seems like it's movable like it's not attached to bone. Otherwise she is acting perfectly normal. Eating good and running around playing. I forget to check her temp while in the chute but I doubt she has one since she's acting normal. What do y'all think?

 

[TCRanch]

Doesn't look very big in either pic. My guess would be an abscess but I'd leave it alone, just keep an eye on her.

 

[76 Bar]

Likely an abscess as TCR noted. Have had a few calves develop them at same age and locale as yours for a variety of reasons. Not life threatening. If its hard without a detectable soft spot the infection has encapsulated e.g. generally too late to resolve it. If there's an obvious soft spot you can lance, flush & debride it for a few days with appropriate disinfectants. Systemic antibiotics are typically counterproductive.

 

[dbird33]

Have a couple a year. I usually give one shot of Long acting penicillin if it isn't getting better within a week and it clears up. Most of mine are not that far up their jawline though.
This is only if it's a mobile abscess. True lumpy jaw is more involved.

 

[Aaron]

Likely abscess. Give it a little poke with small gauge needle and see what comes out.

 

[Jeanne - Simme Valley]

Dun's advice - benign neglect

 

[jwimberly]

Thanks guys, I started to lance it while she was in the chute. I'll give it a shot today.