Post by Damon on Apr 15, 2009 9:29:40 GMT -5
Our Angus heifer Anabel is having some problems that have both us & our vet stymied.
She got her vaccinations (she's 6 months old) 2 weeks ago Monday. 2 days later she was deathly ill--106 degree temp, heavy labored breathing, dehydrated.
We gave her antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, and iced her to get her fever down. By the next morning her temp was normal. She's been somewhat sluggish ever since. Nibbling at grass and hay, but not doing the heavy grazing she was. We took her off grain at the vet's request for a few days.
As time has gone by she's had good days & bad days. 2 days ago her temp was 103.8 but she was out in the pasture grazing away and just a little sluggish. She's eating some grain, some hay and grazing some, but every day she's really no better.
Some days she runs a fever, some days no.
Vet ran a CBC and in addition tested her for BVD, black leg, and all manner of tests. The only thing that came back was that she had been severely dehydrated. No elevated white counts or anything which I found ridiculous since she was running such a high fever.
We're going to run another CBC and batter of tests this week, but I'm very concerned about her and am bringing in 2 more heifers this week...the vet says nothing about her shows "contagious" since all diseases she's been tested for have been negative, but I'm worried about her long term health and the contagious nature of what she might have. I have other options for places to put the other 2 calves, so am wondering if I should not do that and leave her alone for a while. Although I think the herd mentality & companionship might help her buck up a little.
I apologize if this isn't truly a 911...but it does seem like a critical care question any way.
All input welcomed as I've never seen anything quite like this in 15 years of dealing with cows.
**************************************************
Anabel seems back to normal. CBC revealed nothing serious and we gave her a shot of Baytril. She's doing much better. 3 or 4 days now with no fever. Thanks to everyone for their input!
Damon
She got her vaccinations (she's 6 months old) 2 weeks ago Monday. 2 days later she was deathly ill--106 degree temp, heavy labored breathing, dehydrated.
We gave her antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, and iced her to get her fever down. By the next morning her temp was normal. She's been somewhat sluggish ever since. Nibbling at grass and hay, but not doing the heavy grazing she was. We took her off grain at the vet's request for a few days.
As time has gone by she's had good days & bad days. 2 days ago her temp was 103.8 but she was out in the pasture grazing away and just a little sluggish. She's eating some grain, some hay and grazing some, but every day she's really no better.
Some days she runs a fever, some days no.
Vet ran a CBC and in addition tested her for BVD, black leg, and all manner of tests. The only thing that came back was that she had been severely dehydrated. No elevated white counts or anything which I found ridiculous since she was running such a high fever.
We're going to run another CBC and batter of tests this week, but I'm very concerned about her and am bringing in 2 more heifers this week...the vet says nothing about her shows "contagious" since all diseases she's been tested for have been negative, but I'm worried about her long term health and the contagious nature of what she might have. I have other options for places to put the other 2 calves, so am wondering if I should not do that and leave her alone for a while. Although I think the herd mentality & companionship might help her buck up a little.
I apologize if this isn't truly a 911...but it does seem like a critical care question any way.
All input welcomed as I've never seen anything quite like this in 15 years of dealing with cows.
**************************************************
Anabel seems back to normal. CBC revealed nothing serious and we gave her a shot of Baytril. She's doing much better. 3 or 4 days now with no fever. Thanks to everyone for their input!
Damon
