We have been feeding bottle babies for a few years now and I have to agree with the methods Alice suggests. They work. Although we have had couple of long scary nights we have not lost any doing basically what she is telling people to do.
sick calf
- Thread starter trip
- Start date
I have TREMENDOUS respect and "admiration" for vets. Imagine working on something that can't tell you "how they feel" or having to get out of bed to go to some farm that has a slop hole to assist a calving - not for me!
But, with the busy lifestyle vets have, sometimes they get in a rut & don't know the up to date methods.
Electrolites starving calves is one - automatically cleaning out cows with retained placentas is another. Doesn't necessarily mean the vet "isn't any good" - on the contrary - but it also doesn't mean that some people on this board might have more knowledge of a specialized problem.
And yes, electrolites can save a calf - you just have to know how long they can be on it. And the vet in question might know that, but might not have relayed the info properly.
But, with the busy lifestyle vets have, sometimes they get in a rut & don't know the up to date methods.
Electrolites starving calves is one - automatically cleaning out cows with retained placentas is another. Doesn't necessarily mean the vet "isn't any good" - on the contrary - but it also doesn't mean that some people on this board might have more knowledge of a specialized problem.
And yes, electrolites can save a calf - you just have to know how long they can be on it. And the vet in question might know that, but might not have relayed the info properly.
AngusLimoX
Well-known member
Jeanne - Simme Valley":u55j4jtf said:
And maybe trip didn't mention something that the vet said, or didn't mention something to us that he mentioned to the vet, or the vet diagnosed it as a form of scours where withholding milk was more desireable than nutrition lost for a certain time and, on and on.
I guess I am saying the benefit of the doubt should go to the vet, and maybe an additional question or 2 for trip would have been more appropriate than how the situation was handled.
We have obviously had similar experiences with vets. :D
Joy in Texas
Well-known member
Sorry but vets are just human too. I should have listened earlier to Alice and maybe my cow would still be alive. A vet made a wrong call on her. I no longer have him for a vet either.I whole heartly agree with Alice the cause of scours is not from the milk. I have lost a lot calves thru the years from them STARVING to death. There's a big misconception......keeping one hydrated is not nourishment. A calf needs both.
AngusLimoX
Well-known member
Joy in Texas":2khctd7b said:
Vets are highly trained proffesionals who have the right to put Doctor in front of their name. Most of us have some respect for that, others have no respect or consideration for anything other than themselves.
And internet will never make a wrong call, and internet advice has never killed an animal. You can substitute any name you like for internet.
And don't be sorry, be happy! :lol:
