Post by lstein on May 9, 2022 9:42:58 GMT -5
So I'm sure I'm setting myself up for some heart ache but we are probably going to be taking in a two week old calf that possibly has some brain damage. Just curious what everyone's opinions are.
Here's the back story:
So my neighbor has a cow that had a c-section at the vet. When they brought home the cow and the calf, they either turned her and the calf out with the rest of the herd or she got out or something (it's not clear). Apparently the other cows went ballistic and started attacking her and the calf, and the calf got pretty beat up.
The calf had swollen eyes and was around his nose, also appeared to be partially blind in one or both eyes. The vet thinks that there is some swelling around the brain and recommended giving them a shot of (? I didn't catch the name of it, apologies), every 36 hrs.
So they have been giving him the shot and feeding him a bottle (until they lose patience) and then drench him.
When I stopped by to see him yesterday, the swelling around his eyes and nose is gone...he just has some scabs around those areas. He can walk and seems to be able to see somewhat because he knows where the fence line and other objects are. When they give him the shot of whatever it is (I think it starts with a "B"), they said that he seems to feel a lot better and even starts to run around.
Anyway, they don't have the time or patience to take care of him and asked if I would take him (alternative is they are going to put him down). After seeing that he can walk and will drink from a bottle (slowly) I thought it was worth giving the poor little guy a chance? The vet seemed to think there's a chance he could snap out of it but there's no way to be sure. I was just of the opinion and I think it's encouraging that he's up and walking and will drink a bottle.....Thoughts? Is this a big mistake?
We are lucky in that Daisy was going to have the steer on her weaned this week anyway, and she's already been trying to poach Poppy's calves. So I was already in the process of bringing home another calf for her and planned on just milking a bottle for this guy and trying to encourage him to drink.
Thanks for your thoughts!
Here's the back story:
So my neighbor has a cow that had a c-section at the vet. When they brought home the cow and the calf, they either turned her and the calf out with the rest of the herd or she got out or something (it's not clear). Apparently the other cows went ballistic and started attacking her and the calf, and the calf got pretty beat up.
The calf had swollen eyes and was around his nose, also appeared to be partially blind in one or both eyes. The vet thinks that there is some swelling around the brain and recommended giving them a shot of (? I didn't catch the name of it, apologies), every 36 hrs.
So they have been giving him the shot and feeding him a bottle (until they lose patience) and then drench him.
When I stopped by to see him yesterday, the swelling around his eyes and nose is gone...he just has some scabs around those areas. He can walk and seems to be able to see somewhat because he knows where the fence line and other objects are. When they give him the shot of whatever it is (I think it starts with a "B"), they said that he seems to feel a lot better and even starts to run around.
Anyway, they don't have the time or patience to take care of him and asked if I would take him (alternative is they are going to put him down). After seeing that he can walk and will drink from a bottle (slowly) I thought it was worth giving the poor little guy a chance? The vet seemed to think there's a chance he could snap out of it but there's no way to be sure. I was just of the opinion and I think it's encouraging that he's up and walking and will drink a bottle.....Thoughts? Is this a big mistake?
We are lucky in that Daisy was going to have the steer on her weaned this week anyway, and she's already been trying to poach Poppy's calves. So I was already in the process of bringing home another calf for her and planned on just milking a bottle for this guy and trying to encourage him to drink.
Thanks for your thoughts!