Post by moe2107 on Jul 22, 2019 8:01:19 GMT -5
So we have an 8 month old bull calf. We sold him almost 2 weeks ago and as the buyer was driving away the calf jumped out of the back of the trailer and hit the road. He walked back to our pasture (limping of course). There were no obvious signs of fracture (no bone through skin). Only visible injuries were some superficial abrasions. The vet came out the next morning. Gave him antibiotics (just in case) and prednisone. Gave us meloxicam pills to give twice a day. Of course, give water, feed and hay through the day. They got him standing. Vet said he didnt see any sign of obvious fracture, possibly dislocated hip but only way to know would be slaughter. The buyer said let's give it some time and see what happens (the exam was 12 hours after injury). So, we've been looking after him. He is walking some, not normal though. Looks like one side is definitely sore. Hes eating, drinking, grazing, peeing and pooping. Hes down to 1 pill a day. One of the mommas comes over to him and nurses him. When he stands up it's pretty quick and without struggle. I'm thinking maybe when we see him try to walk its after hes been laying for a while and stiff. I've started calling him Waldo because when we go to the bottom of the pasture it's a where's Waldo trip. You never know where hes going to be. He stays on a flat area of pasture under the trees where the herd goes a lot. We cant corral him as the other bull calf knows how to lift them and launch them in the air so we dont want to put the injured calf at further risk. One of our cows has jumped and damaged a gate so we have that concern as well. I would love to get him to the barn but it's quite a hike and up hill that is VERY terraced. So I'm trying to get some advice, how do I know if there is a hip or pelvis fracture or dislocation. A friend who has 80 head told me if the cow is putting any pressure on it there is no fracture or dislocation. They would just hold it up and it would be limp/hanging. Based on where he goes from place to place we estimate he is traveling a minimum of 200 feet per hour. Any thoughts? Keep in mind, we are just caring for him. Any decisions are not ours as he was already purchased. And please please any comments, please no negative ones. I care very much for him and this has been hard enough for me. Thanks for any helpful advice.