What to do about calf that can't stand heat!

[JulieLou42]

This one was born 6/23 p.m. after 13 hrs. labor and had to be pulled because he was large, 90#. But he pants all the time outside in 85 or above temps and gets dehydrated. I'm having to keep him inside my basement where he can be cool most of the time.

Will this ever change? His mom takes heat really well, and so did his three half-brothers. The vet suggested his body's thermostat got screwed up with the long labor and difficult birth.

Anyone have any thoughts on this? Thanks.

[Ronney]

Julie, you give the time but not the date so I assume he has been born in the last 24 hours? Those temperatures are pretty high for a new born that has come into the world with a bit of a struggle and I don't know if Idaho has dry heat or humid heat. Humid heat is worse but either way he is going to have trouble dealing with it initially and your doing the right thing so long as he has access to his mother. Also keep a bucket of water close by him - contrary to belief calves will drink water from as young as a day old. Yours may not but give it the option. I think you will find that if he is otherwise healthy, he will come right but it may take anything up to a week or maybe even longer. 13 hours labour is going to give him a lot of catching up to do in terms of strength.

Cheers,
Ronnie