Post by vkrussell on Feb 25, 2012 22:44:40 GMT -5
We brought home a young Murray Grey heifer from Texas 20 days ago. As many cattle are in Texas, she was malnourished and not in the greatest shape. We were told she was due to calf in about 2 months. Well... she went in to labor Thursday morning. DH came home to find her pretty much exhausted from struggling to deliver her calf. He tried to help her but realized fairly quickly that he wasn't going to be able to help her by himself.
He loaded her up and headed to the vets. The vet had trouble as well and we all realized too much time had passed There was no way the calf could make it out alive. After another 1.5 hours, an episiotomy, the calf hung on both shoulders and hips, he was finally pulled from the cow. A calf way too large for such a small girl and especially for a first timer. We brought her home and made her comfortable.
We are using hip lifts on her to get her standing 2-3 times a day. She is eating and drinking well. She passed the afterbirth easily. Her eyes are bright, no temp, and she moves herself around quite a bit. She is able to move both hind legs, but cannot yet stand on her own...very weak. Hopefully in time she will be able to as the swelling and trauma subside.
Is there anything we can do to help with the trauma to her vulva. She has several stitches and massive swelling. It has been 3 days and she is still gaping open. I am worried about infection since she is laying in the dirt and feces. Every time I put bedding under her, she moves off of it. And it looks extremely painful. I will try to get pictures posted tomorrow.
I have never had a problem like this before. I'm hoping with all the experience that this board has, someone has an idea on how we can help her heal. Thanks!
Vicki
He loaded her up and headed to the vets. The vet had trouble as well and we all realized too much time had passed There was no way the calf could make it out alive. After another 1.5 hours, an episiotomy, the calf hung on both shoulders and hips, he was finally pulled from the cow. A calf way too large for such a small girl and especially for a first timer. We brought her home and made her comfortable.
We are using hip lifts on her to get her standing 2-3 times a day. She is eating and drinking well. She passed the afterbirth easily. Her eyes are bright, no temp, and she moves herself around quite a bit. She is able to move both hind legs, but cannot yet stand on her own...very weak. Hopefully in time she will be able to as the swelling and trauma subside.
Is there anything we can do to help with the trauma to her vulva. She has several stitches and massive swelling. It has been 3 days and she is still gaping open. I am worried about infection since she is laying in the dirt and feces. Every time I put bedding under her, she moves off of it. And it looks extremely painful. I will try to get pictures posted tomorrow.
I have never had a problem like this before. I'm hoping with all the experience that this board has, someone has an idea on how we can help her heal. Thanks!
Vicki