sick calf

[Laura Sue]

I am new to the list and found this website because of a sick calf. Read some of the past posts and got some good information but thought I would ask some of you out there if there was anything else I can do until Monday when I can get in contact with the vet. The problem I am having is with a calf that was born on Nov. 2, 2006. He was 11 days late from his due date and weighed in at 115 lbs. Got home from work and he had just been born within the last 1/2 hour. Attended him and mom making sure he was up and had his first meal. He seemed to be doing good for the first couple of days with only some elevated breathing, but wasn't too concerned with that, most of our calves do that for a few days. But the elevated breathing hasn't gotten any better, in fact it is worse. He was running a low grade fever for a few days, between 102.8 to 103.2. Yesterday morning he seemed to be fine everyone went out to pasture (it was a very sunny warm day) he was running and kicking up his heals. by late afternoon when it was time to come in he was very lethargic and slow and you could tell he wasn't feeling well at all. Temp was 103.4, breathing very heavy, hair was a little damp with sweat. This morning gave him a shot of La-200, still breathing heavy, still damp hair, temp running anywhere from 102.8 to 104. Gave him aspirin this evening, really soaking wet hair, and noticed he hadn't eaten all day (saw him eat in AM but not after that). If he doesn't eat by morning a friend said I should tube feed him some milk (from mom) and that should keep him hydrated until I can get the vet on Monday (4 vets somewhat local for me and not one available in an emergency). Does anyone have any other suggestions that I can do? I would appreciate any advice.

 

[Alice]

If you decide to tube the calf, make it electrolytes that you tube him. And squirt some probios in his mouth. Might not hurt to give him a shot of A,D,&E. I wish I could wax more eloquent, but I'm not at my own computer...remember, electrolytes.

Let us know what the vet says, ok?

Alice

 

[Scotty]

yes keep him hydrated. Why LA 200. there are better drugs out there.

 

[Alice]

I was in a hurry last night...I apologize. Alternate the electrolytes with milk...the calf still needs nutrition. Make sure you read the directions on the electrolytes. Some can be mixed with milk and some cannot. Either way, the calf sounds to ME like it needs both electrolytes and milk...at least until the vet sees him. Also, if you can get hold of some nuflor, or even exenel, use that instead of the LA200. This is just MY opinion and what I would do.

Good luck.

Alice

 

[Laura Sue]

Great news! Last night about midnight when I did my last round for the night he was up and slurping away. This morning again at 8 AM he was slurping and looked like he had eaten before that also. Got more aspirin in him this morning and temp was down too. Checked on him around noon and he was up running and jumping and when I walked towards him with the thermometer he said no way and took off (didn't do that before) didn't want to stress him more so I will wait until tonight and catch him laying down, maybe.

I used LA-200 because that is what I had on hand, it is easy to get, and also vet has recommended it before. Will have to ask if there is anything better. And I always give probios every time I use an antibiotic.

Thanks for the info.
Laura Sue

 

[TheBullLady]

Glad your calf is feeling better. I would keep an eye on him in the future however. With a calf that large, if he had any trouble being born, there's a possibility he had some fluid in his lungs.

Good luck!