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Post by winton on Jul 22, 2009 5:20:01 GMT -5
So I've got a three month old bull calf who had been doing fine -- nursing, grazing, running around, etc. Now he seems pretty sluggish. No energy, doesn't even try to run away from me. And now that I'm able to get close and scratch him, I notice that his face is a little mishapen -- tongue often protruding, cheekbones seem a little wide and more squashed than other Dexters. So this leads me to wonder about bulldog -- but then how could he have been born healthy?
Any tips? Thanks.
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Post by marion on Jul 22, 2009 9:16:57 GMT -5
Hi Winton, Bring the cow and calf where you can handle them. The sooner the better. Take his temperature (elevated temp means infection). How is his breathing? Does he have nasal discharge? Is he nursing? Is his poo normal? This sounds like a sick calf who needs treatment ASAP.
A bulldog calf is one that has inherited genes for dwarfism from both parents and would not survive. He could be a dwarf (inherited chondro gene from one parent) which would make his facial structure look a bit different.
Let us know what you find out...marion
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Honeycreek Dexters
member
All Natural Drug Free Grass Fed Beef, From Our Herd Sire Phoenix
Posts: 362
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Post by Honeycreek Dexters on Jul 22, 2009 9:17:55 GMT -5
Was this sudden onset or slow? Can/Did you temp him? Is he with other cows or is this your only one? Is he weaned? When if he was? Please post back.
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Post by kansasdexters on Jul 22, 2009 11:36:39 GMT -5
Hi Winton,
When a calf gets too hot, it will pant (and the tongue will protrude) and it will become lethargic. It's important to get the cow and calf into the shade of the barn or shelter, and make sure they are well hydrated (access to cool water), and have salt available.
Young calves do not have the ability to control their body temperature as well as mature animals do -- so hot, humid weather can be especially stressful to them. Check the udder on the calf's dam every day -- that way you will know if it is nursing her properly. If the udder is swollen or lumpy, then the calf probably isn't nursing her well and it may quickly become dehydrated (especially if it doesn't have easy access to water).
It's better to call the vet sooner, rather than later -- especially if the calf is showing signs of sickness or not quickly responding to what you are trying to do for it; or if you don't feel confident in handling the situation by yourself.
Hope all goes well.
Patti
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Post by winton on Jul 22, 2009 13:11:42 GMT -5
I've tried taking his temperature a few times, and always end up with a low reading -- mid 90's. He's not weaned -- still with his mom. She seems fine, as does another calf that's in with them. I've called the vet, but any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
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Post by ctownson on Jul 22, 2009 13:32:27 GMT -5
Is the calf still nursing?
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Post by winton on Jul 22, 2009 15:12:11 GMT -5
I can't tell you if he has nursed in the last day or so, but he certainly hasn't self-weaned.
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Post by Clive on Jul 22, 2009 15:34:44 GMT -5
Does he seem to have trouble with his feet? Is he lifting them one at a time as though they were hot or walking very carefully as though he doesn't want to put them down?
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Post by ctownson on Jul 22, 2009 15:46:16 GMT -5
If the calf is not nursing/drinking, I would be very concerned about dehydration. This would call for fast action on the part of the vet to get fluids into the calf.
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Post by winton on Jul 22, 2009 18:35:57 GMT -5
Vet had me check under the eyelids, which were white. We're going the de-worming route and drenching with some vitamin/mineral supplements. Thanks, everyone. Will keep you posted.
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