I need some help with the little guy

[vickie]

We had a 5 month calf fall through the ice on the pond yesterday. We don't know how long he was hanging there. We got him out and into the house, I got him dried off and wrapped in blankets. This morning he is warm and not shaking any longer. He we lift his head and look around. But he won't eat. He have pooped once. I shot some pedialite down him. But he will not get up. He can move his legs but won't even try to get up. What should i do? I can"t afford a vet visit today. The only one that does big animals is about 75 miles away and his visit cost is way up there. Please anything is worth a try. Thanks Vickie

[Dodgegal79]

Try to make some warm and yummy smelling, maybe some cob with molasses and warm water, try to entice his appetie. I would think being cold he would be hungry, but he may still be in shock. Make sure to keep him warm and hydrated, he shouild start eating soon.

[Dodgegal79]

Olso try rolling him side to side to keep the circulation going in his legs, rubbing him down and brushing his legs will help. Also moving them for him.

[RosewoodfarmVA]

So sorry to hear that. We lost our best farm dog two days ago in the pond. She always loved water, and apparently either went down for a drink (they would rather drink from a puddle or pond than a bowl) or decided to explore the water, and we found her several hours later in the ice.

You're fortunate you found your calf alive....ice kills quick. Also a few years ago we had a calf get stuck in the cold water (no ice though) and we worked for days to get him back to normal. I would certainly give him repeated shots of LA200 or Penicilin to ward off any pneumonia or other illness, even if no symptoms.

[RosewoodfarmVA]

Also you could stand him up, then prop hay bales around him/under him to keep him in a standing position. That may encourage circulation and muscle use. Keep him warm and as others said, molasses or sweet feed may induce him to drink. If he is still young, get a calf bottle and milk replacer and see if he will suckle that. Anything to get something into his tummy.

[mamahen]

We had one fall in years ago, but we were right there & got him out quick. We just towel dried & then used a hair dryer & kept rubbing him with the towels pretty vigorously.

How did you get him to the house? Did he walk? Get 3-4 people and have one at his head, and 2 trying to push him up. Have someone ready on the other side to steady him. You have to really push/pull and he should try or struggle to get up or for you to leave him alone. Keep pushing/pulling until he gets up. Once you get him on his feet, make sure to have some warm water & good hay in front. When he's up, he may want to eat.

You want to be sure he didn't inhale any water, too. Can you listen to his lungs? Does he seem wheezy? What's his temp?

[JKB07]

have your vet look at him.


JKB

[mamahen]

Hey Vickie, how is your calf?