Post by berriesncream on Aug 20, 2010 23:15:05 GMT -5
Hi, ya'll. I'm sorry if this is in the wrong section. I'm not sure if this is an emergency or not. I have a 7 month old heifer who has had a pot belly for the last 6-8 weeks or so. I have posted about this before but never quite been able to figure out the cause. Possibly weaning too early? (3.5 months) though my vet says no and she was on high protein grain for months after she weaned. Vet has suggested that since she had pneumonia pretty bad when she was very young her body just may not be "resourceful" and she may never process her food well or give as much milk as she should. Another suggestion was something about her rumen possibly having some difficulty developing that should straighten out. The vet gave me clorid (?) for coccidia to drench her with for 5 days to see if that helps.
Of course, DH went out of town today, and with taking care of little ones and all the animals, I have not gotten to the drench. But she seems to be getting bigger before my eyes! I used to be able to see her ribs with a big belly (equal on both sides) underneath, but tonight she looked a lot bigger all around. I wish I had a picture (I will post one in the morning), but I am very concerned about her. I don't really think it's coccidia because I haven't noticed any diarrhea (but that doesn't mean she hasn't had any). I don't think it's technically bloat because she's definitely equal on both sides.
I love this little heifer and don't want her to die because I was busy and neglected to notice something. Another local vet makes Saturday calls (and for the unbelievable price of $10 per visit) - should I have him come to check her out? The last time he saw her he kind of said, "typical Jersey", but, again, I think she's gotten much worse recently.
Any ideas?
Sorry for the rambling . . .
Amanda
Of course, DH went out of town today, and with taking care of little ones and all the animals, I have not gotten to the drench. But she seems to be getting bigger before my eyes! I used to be able to see her ribs with a big belly (equal on both sides) underneath, but tonight she looked a lot bigger all around. I wish I had a picture (I will post one in the morning), but I am very concerned about her. I don't really think it's coccidia because I haven't noticed any diarrhea (but that doesn't mean she hasn't had any). I don't think it's technically bloat because she's definitely equal on both sides.
I love this little heifer and don't want her to die because I was busy and neglected to notice something. Another local vet makes Saturday calls (and for the unbelievable price of $10 per visit) - should I have him come to check her out? The last time he saw her he kind of said, "typical Jersey", but, again, I think she's gotten much worse recently.
Any ideas?
Sorry for the rambling . . .
Amanda