problems with a cow after having her

[longhorn67]

We have Longhorn cattle. We have only had them a year. Our oldest cow had a calf 5 days ago. She seems to be having contractions for the last 2 days. Does anyone understand why she would be doing this?

 

[kenny thomas]

Did she pass the afterbirth?

 

[longhorn67]

I'm not sure, there was a small amount hanging. We never have found the calf dead or alive. But I do know we had a neighbor check her and everything seemed to be returning to normal inside.

 

[3waycross]

Doesn't sound like something that's going to get solved here. You will get several days of theries some of them real good but if she was mine I'd call the vet soon.

 

[Hippie Rancher]

Can you provide some more information?

1) general location of your operation
2) size of pasture
3) predator issues? (coyotes, lions, dogs, etc)
4) how do you know she had the calf 5 days ago?
a) did you have a breeding date/expected calving date?
b) what does her bag (udder) look like?
5) describe the "contractions" with more detail
6) temperature - is she running a fever?
7) other unusual observations

 

[greatgerts]

Your first post said she calved five days ago, then your second said that you have never found the calf dead or alive? Is that EVER? I you had not physically seen a calf, I'd suspect she didn't have it, or have twins.
As 3way said, I'd call the vet. That is the only way for you to be sure.

 

[TexasBred]

do you have facilities to pen her and check her? If so glove up and put your arm in there and check it out. Won't take but a minute. When you pull it out if it makes you want to gag and puke , the calf is dead and the cow has a uterine infection. You can insert uterine bolus' or douche her and give her some antibiotics. Takes about 5 minutes.

 

[chippie]

Sounds like she hasn't had the calf and is having problems. Since you are new, call your vet ASAP.

You could end up with a dead cow.

 

[longhorn67]

Here is what happen. Cow we thought had calf,(reason we thought that was she had afterbirth hanging out of her and she had lost weight) We could not find calf just figured she had it hidding. Three days later cow was in labor but could not push anything out. Had friend come and arm her he could not feel a calf. Watch her close for few days she looked good and eat good. Then legs where sticking out. Had vet come and pull calf. Calf was dead of course. Friend could not believe it. Vet said calf been dead for long time. Cow on meds now and looking good. I have 2 heifers coming due soon so hope it goes better with them. So far 0 for 1 on calves. We are new to this so we really value everyones input.. Thank you!!!!!!!

 

[chippie]

Poor thing, that's a shame. That is why is is so important that a person know their cattle and check on them daily.
I hope that it didn't ruin her for re-breeding.

When a person checks a cow to see if she is pregnant, it is called "palpating".

 

[Lucky_P]

I suspected the calf was still in the cow, from your initial description - but it could have just been retained placenta/metritis.
Seems your neighbor is perhaps not quite as knowledgeable or capable as you/they thought; hard to believe they'd have missed that dead calf in there if they actually knew what they were doing - but those Longhorn calves are small 8>0.
As a 'newbie', you might need to find another mentor, and don't shy away from calling upon your local veterinarian for help.

 

[3waycross]

Here is what happen. Cow we thought had calf,(reason we thought that was she had afterbirth hanging out of her and she had lost weight) We could not find calf just figured she had it hidding. Three days later cow was in labor but could not push anything out. Had friend come and arm her he could not feel a calf. Watch her close for few days she looked good and eat good. Then legs where sticking out. Had vet come and pull calf. Calf was dead of course. Friend could not believe it. Vet said calf been dead for long time. Cow on meds now and looking good. I have 2 heifers coming due soon so hope it goes better with them. So far 0 for 1 on calves. We are new to this so we really value everyones input.. Thank you!!!!!!!

What troubles me is that after asking for advice here you chose the outcome you liked(read "CHEAP"), then tried for another outcome with the neighbor( read "CHEAP), then when she is full of a rotten calf you call the vet.

Don't let this bother you since you are about the 1,000th person to come on here and do exactly the same thing.

Good luck with your remaining cattle and do what you were told this time. Find another mentor.

 

[Workinonit Farm]

....(read "CHEAP"), then tried for another outcome with the neighbor( read "CHEAP), then when she is full of a rotten calf you call the vet.

Which was probably not so cheap.

Good luck with your remaining cattle and do what you were told this time. Find another mentor.

:nod: :nod:

Katherine