Post by Deleted on Dec 7, 2010 15:23:58 GMT -5
I have a 4 year old Brahmousin bull, Tank, who is experiencing chronic limping in his back left leg. He has not been breeding or doing much of anything in the past year. About 9 weeks ago, I noticed that he was kind of lurching rather than walking. There was no swelling, his hoof wasn't hot, just the limp. Over the next week, the limp became worse and he stopped moving around the pasture as much. I called our vet who said it was probably hoof rot (we were in the throes of a drought) and prescribed an antibiotic and antiinflammatory. I gave the meds to him faithfully for two weeks with no change in his condition. I hauled him to the vet who examined Tank in the squeeze chute and he couldn't find anything wrong with him; of course Tank walked without a limp at the vet office. I had him penned for about a day and a half before the vet visit so I thought restricting his activities would help. He's on day 14 of his "confinement" in his 30' x 50' stall with no improvement. The vet put him on antibiotics and anti inflammatories again. He will not put weight on the leg for any length of time. Through this whole ordeal, he's been able to lay down, get up, eat, drink, etc. He does lay down much more than usual. He is a terribly sweet boy, I bought him as a pet. My vet has pretty much said that the injury is what it is - either it will heal or it won't. He suggested that I put my bull on a diet, he's about 1600 lbs. so I have cut back his feed by about 20% (which kills both of us!) and no treats. I'm applying Absorbine JR twice a day from his knee to his hock. Other than the limp, he's in great health. The freezer is NOT an option. Another friend said that his bull (Tank's dad) was snake bitten and limped around for 6 months before getting better. I have not seen any swelling or any breaks in the skin at all. Someone else suggested pouring kerosene down Tank's back (?). I'm ready to try just about anything, voodoo, chanting - anything! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.