Swollen joint on comprised calf

[JCAM]

Hello, this is my second time raising a calf. The first was easy, she was 2 days old, however the one I'm raising now has been a challenge. First, she was a twin and her mama didn't go to term. Incidentally her twin died at birth. My calf had low birth weight, born Feb. 10, 2013. Her mama didn't clean her up, her milk didn't come in at that time. I gave her the colostrum, bought from farm store and giving her 2 quarts of milk replacement daily. I'm keeping her in the bottom of the barn for warmth and protection, however her right front joint has tripled in size. What can I do? Where did I go wrong? What can I do in the future? Am I going to have to put her down?

 

[shadyhollownj]

Look up posts on joint ill. Nuflor 3cc today IM and 6cc subq on day 4 and 6.

 

[UG]

I agree that it sounds like joint (navel) ill. This is a serious situation that needs to be addressed ASAP.

We had a case several years ago. In addition to the Nuflor (or may have been Baytril), our vet also encouraged us to rub both front knees several times a time to increase circulation. He also suggested that we move the legs back and forth a few times a day to ensure that they stay limber. You may also want to check with your vet about Banamine to reduce the pain.

Also, we rarely have to feed a calf milk replacer, however, is two quarts enough? You may want to check the label on on the milk replacer bag. Seems to me that we used to feed 2 quarts twice a day, and maybe more than that as they calves got older.

Good luck!