Please help - question on calves...

Middle River · #1 05/19/08, 06:23 AM

I just brought home two week old holstein bull calves. They are eating well and very playful. One however has what appears to be contracted tendons in both front feet - they roll back wards and are stiff, so he mostly walks on the front of his pasterns. He does somewhat stand on the tippy toe when just standing but can only streach them about 50% forward. He is a happy little guy other then this.

What should i do for him ? He is in about a 10x10ft warm shelter with plenty of bedding so not to get sores, but he has plenty of room to move. I gave them both probios and vit. A, E, and B paste when i got them home. I've known foals and goat kids born like this that straighten out in a few days, but i'm worried that he is already a week old if it's too late, or if now that he is in a bigger area then a calf hutch now, if he will ?

Also, i've always thought they were supposed to have fresh water at all times - so i put a full 3 gallon bucket in with them, they drank the whole thing last evening - is this ok ?

What else can/should i do with them ? They are on purina ( 100% whole milk protein - medicated ) replacer 2 quarts 2x per day each - sound good ? Anything else ? They aren't my first calves ( 2nd round ) but i still feel new. Thanks !

Up North · #2 05/19/08, 07:47 AM

Do nothing about contracted tendons. Time will correct. Carry on as you are.

Middle River · #3 05/19/08, 07:49 AM

Thanks Up North, i'm glad to hear that a week old is not too old. He is happy and healthy other wise, i just feel bad for him.

topside1 · #4 05/19/08, 07:50 AM

Sounds like he's in good hands...

Middle River · #5 05/19/08, 08:17 AM

awww gee thanks Topside1 - i like to think so - though we don't have to butcher our two calves from last year till this fall - that may make me feel mean :+) But at least every year i'll get new babies :+) I just couldn't let this little fella just be shot, and i needed two, so i brought him home. It could just be wishful thinking, but i could have sworn he looked a tad better this morning.

So even if i leave fresh water out for them and they drink a lot, it is not going to make them sick right ? Thanks !

Oh, and i'll try to get my neigbor over to take pics, don't know if its a holstein thing or not, but these two are much "meatier" then the two Aryshires i brought home last year - meaning they look less dairy - their hip bones are sticking out at all, nor are they sunk in the flanks at all, they look good and streamline - i almost wonder if it could be a meatier hols. sire that the fella used, or possibly an angus sire ? Though i got that they were pure hols. when talking to him - now i wonder though. They are both mostly black too, with white legs/markings.

Middle River · #6 05/19/08, 02:40 PM

He is already looking better, and can now walk on his toes, instead of just being able to stand still on them - at this rate i'm thinking he should be 100% in a couple days. Thanks !

Valmai · #7 05/20/08, 08:24 AM

Why are you asking for advice?

They sound as though they are living in the lap of luxury.