Stiff Steer

[Angus Cattle Girl]

For the past 3 days, my best steer out of the two that I have has been stiff. He lays down a lot and when he walks, his joints pop. He didn't eat at all Thursday or Friday. Saturday he nibbled and today he ate all fo his feed. What could be wrong with him? I'm thinking of getting a joint supplement from Sullivans like Stride or that Sound Advantage joint supplement. What should I do? :roll:

 

[Alice]

What does the vet say?

Alice

 

[Angus Cattle Girl]

I haven't been to the vet yet. I though it might have just been from the heat everyday. My dad thinks it might be some hay we have been feeding them.

 

[Alice]

I'd be worried about him being off his feed...and the popping joints would begin to bug me. I'd have to at least google popping joints in steers, or something.

What kind of hay are you feeding the steer?

Alice

 

[Miss Daisy]

My first priority would be getting him back on feed. Probios is good. The stiff in the tube woiuld probably be easier and more effective because you will know he is getting it all. Hope all works out for you.

 

[TheBullLady]

It doesn't sound like a "feed" problem to me.. more like a confirmation or an injury problem I would see what a vet says!

 

[jaydill]

It doesn't sound like a "feed" problem to me.. more like a confirmation or an injury problem I would see what a vet says!

Agreed.

Have you talked with the vet yet?

 

[Angus Cattle Girl]

Haven't gone to the vet but we got his hooves trimmed Monday and he is walking incredibly well!! We used to use a guy that would use a hand grinder to do their hooves. This guy did it all by hand and none of them are sore! But, I think my steer is all better. He's eating better and walking better so I am very relieved.

 

[jaydill]

Haven't gone to the vet but we got his hooves trimmed Monday and he is walking incredibly well!! We used to use a guy that would use a hand grinder to do their hooves. This guy did it all by hand and none of them are sore! But, I think my steer is all better. He's eating better and walking better so I am very relieved.

I know what you mean about that. I used to hate how sore my steer would come back. The first time we got them done, he was sore for a week. I couldn't work him for the first couple days cause he wouldn't walk cause they were so sore. He would step gingerly around the pens--which have sand in them, so it's not even a rough surface--just to get feed, hay, and water, then lay back down all day. Glad to hear he's doing better.

Jay