need help really fast

I think I know what you would have done if this was just the run of the mill heifer. But..you gave a promise, and you gave it to your daughter. That puts a whole other side to it. At least in my mind.

You have to do what you can..within reason..to give this cow a chance. And I agree with the ones who say the daughter ought to be involved. And I don't mean from a distance. She needs to be around this cow just as much as you are. Because either she is going make it, in which case the cow and daughter are really bonded. Or .. she is going to pass on, one way or the other. And I think..if that would be the case..your daughter having worked along side of you .. seeing what the cow is going through..would have an easier time in understanding that sometimes..its just better to let them go.

I wish you much luck in this venture. It's so much more than money invested. I know this will sound crazy to most..but do you have anyone close to you that does Reiki? If so..believe it or not..I think I would have them come and do some on her. Let us know how she does. I'm sure pulling for you all.

This mornings update..she is standing this am happy dance! I guess some background is needed...We homeschool 5 girls 10,9,7,7,and 3 and this is turning into a wonderful way to learn about bones and such.Today we will attempt to make a full out cast.Some ideas involve makeing a two piece cast,or wrapping the whole leg and casting with plaster.We need to consider being able to clean it tho.We may make a mold and work from there I am sure it will be trial and error time too.I remeber an herb that helps heal bone does any one know what it is called? Thanks.I will try to figure out how to post pics and show updates on the casting.

Hope your cow turns out OK. I've had two broken legs in cattle. One was a compound fracture ( bone sticking out through the skin) of the upper front leg and that healed up on its own, the other was a broken ankle in a new born calf, and with an orange juice can splint and duct tape, that calf healed almost perfectly. Young animals heal fast. The compound fracture heifer happened when I was about 14 and my father said "let her go on her own, she'll heal up" and she did. Had a fat upper leg but milked for more than a few years.

Jennifer

Jennifer

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-Northern NYS

dont wrap the cast to tight youll cut off curculation and loose the leg and calf.

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I'm so done here.

Renee, the herb you're looking for is comfrey. A poultice of fresh root is best, if you have some, or know someone who does. A tea made from either the root or the leaves (fresh or dried) can also be added to her drinking water.

I hope she heals up well. I'd be interested in updates on her progress, too.

~Lannie

If you do put there in a sling I believe it would be more so she can't lay down than suspended. I suspect weight still needs to be put on the other three legs.

I've read that some goat owners over in the goat forum have built slings for injured goats. You may want to ask for advice on building a sling over there if you still intend on building one.

I took my daughters cat to the vet with an infected foot. It was not the CAT I was concerned about, it was the CHILD.

Good luck with your cow.

When I splinted my calfs legs I used pvc pipe with thick cotton inside. She didn't have a break. I started out using vet wrap on the outside but it got real spendy quick. So I used ace bandages. I had to do some looking to find true ace bandages, not vet wrap for humans. But I could take them off and wash them. I thru them in the washer and dryer. Saved money and was easy to use!!!
Will be hoping for the best!!!!

__________________
The day I stop learning is the day I stop breathing

He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes.
He who does not ask a question remains a fool forever.
Old Chinese Proverb

I hope all is going well with your cow.

What's her name?

Lynda

this morning Sunday

I went out and she is learning to stand with a cast.Yesterday after much work we were able to cast her from the joint above to the joint below.We found this stuff at an art store that is gauze with plaster already in it .It reminds me of the old plaster cast.The hardest part was keeping the break lined up while wrapping it.It stayed in place so time will tell now. I have a feeling tho that will need to be redone again.

Thank you all for your PM's they mean alot! I am sure some of you are thinking what a waste of time and you may be right but when you make a promise you keep it.Strong motto in our house.We raise 90% of our own meat and the girls know this,we do not name them we do care for them 100% and allow their lives to be as good as we can.Then there are the others,the 500lb sow who learned more tricks then most dogs while never really being taught{the day the hauler came for her load he joked and said"bet that pig would sit" and she did! well unkown to me the twins had been working with her like Babe and she stayed.The heifer was bought by money my daughter saved,she came from an auction and did not do well at first.She needed 2 hernia operations the girls took 80% of the medical work needed.They drained the infection learned to give shots and slept with her many a night in the barn.So little Besse the cow will be gven all the chances needed to recover and in the end we will all know we did do the best we could either way it turns out. The girls have already made plans to raise money for the vet bill{a letter to Santa asking to please not bring gifts but instead send Dr.K a new truck} kinda cute.They made 5$ so far raking leaves so I think they will come through.