Stiff Calf

[Mark T]

My milk cow Bonnie had her sixth calf two weeks ago. The little heifer is an Ayrshire/Holstein mix out of an easy calving Holstein bull. She came a week early then I expected from the AI date.

Her mother had her milk come in two weeks before that (she's done that before). When the calf came, all seemed well.

Bonnie's granddaughter also had a calf at about the same time and that calf is full of pep and energy and is just a sassy little beast. Bonnie's calf is stiff-legged and doesn't move around a whole lot. She does stand up and walk around and I have seen her (fitfully) nursing, but I'm concerned about the great gap in progress between the two calves.

She doesn't latch on very well when nursing, but the vet said she must be getting something if she is still alive. I was worried anyways and started supplementing her with a bottle. She doesn't drink very much from the bottle and wants to leave to go nurse on her mom, so I don't think it can be (solely) lack of milk - she doesn't seem very hungry.

Any suggestions on how to help her get jump-started?

[TK04]

Is there any chance she has a naval infection? That can cause stiff joints. I would have to do more research but maybe you can get your hands on her and check to see if that's a possibility. Hope she does better for you.

[Madsaw]

I am with TK on this. Feel the naval/beely button area gentley for any hardness or swelling. You will be checking the area where the cord hangs down. If any swelling or hardness present she needs to be treated. The indication of the stiff legs and slowness is a sign of this. Treat will 10 cc of penicillin once a day for atleast 3-4 days in the mussle.
Bob

[tinknal]

I know this may sound like a funny question, but are her front feet very up and down with little or no bend at the ankle? Was she a large calf? The reason I ask is because her tendons may be contracted causing the stiff legged walk. If this is the case they will loosen up.

[LizD]

Have you given a shot of e-sel?

[ozark_jewels]

The stiffness and lack of suckling ease sound like selenium deficiency to me.........

[kirsten]

Also navel ill/joint ill can still be present even without an infected, swollen navel area. Give penn for that too just in case.