Gimpy Yearling

InvalidID · #1 04/10/12, 01:27 PM

My biggest yearling is gone gimpy on me. His rear left leg seems to be bothering him quite a bit. When he's standing he'll kick it a little and lick the leg up high. I've checked his foot and the toes aren't split or spread, there's no smell or anything either. I was first thinking it maybe foot rot but now I'm not so sure.

He will get up to eat though not nearly as much as he should be. Seems like the longer he's on it the more it hurts him as he limps worse after walking a bit.

What else should I be looking for? How can I tell if he's stepping in a mole hole and just pulled something as opposed to something more serious?

InvalidID · #2 04/10/12, 03:46 PM

I got out there and got a good look at him while he was resting. On the outside of his foot where the nail starts it's kinda soft and tender. Abscess maybe? The underside seems normal though, it's just where the leg (ankle?) turns to nail that's soft and tender. I put some peroxide on that spot and it wasn't too bubbly (after cleaning off the dirt of course) but it did make him kick a little.

Could it be hoof rot after all and it just doesn't smell?

MO_cows · #3 04/10/12, 04:09 PM

Nail??

You mean literally the hoof wall has gone soft? Can you post a picture?

InvalidID · #4 04/10/12, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MO_cows

Nail??

You mean literally the hoof wall has gone soft? Can you post a picture?

Yeah, I thought the hoof had gone soft. I went back out and was messing with him some more. Seems like the toe is sore and the hoof where the tow and hoof meet is a little soft or sore.

You can't SEE anything different about his hoof though. I was thinking cracked hoof at first, so that's what I was checking. Can you have a cracked hoof but not really see the crack? He's acting like it's cracked, standing on tippy toe and all.

MO_cows · #5 04/10/12, 05:11 PM

Could have an abcess in there and you just can't see the point of entry of the infection. It would be under a lot of pressure and very painful. Did you notice if the hoof felt warmer at the site?

Hoping some of the dairy folks see this and chime in to help you. I think dairy cows get a lot more hoof care than beef cows. Knock wood, we haven't ever had hoof issues with our cattle but have dealt with abcesses, hoof injuries and laminitis/founder in horses.

Do you have a good enough relationship with your vet for a phone consultation?

InvalidID · #6 04/10/12, 05:16 PM

I don't even have a vet nearby that works with cattle.

commonsense · #7 04/10/12, 09:40 PM

Ugh, no fun! I'm also dealing with a foot issue, one of my best milkers, too! She has hoof rot, and after a week on Excenel, she is now on Nuflor. Tomorrow is her second dose, and I'm hoping I see some improvement soon. She won't put weight on it at all.

I delayed starting the Nuflor while I waited for another cow to calve and take her place supplying milk--kinda wish I hadn't, I'm hoping she improves.

See if you can get a vet to prescribe Nuflor--maybe you can get it online and have your vet okay the prescription?

myersfarm · #8 04/11/12, 12:42 AM

OK if you can get the hoof in your hand pour PEROXIDE on it that should show were the injury is if you do not see any place that bubbles real bad....I would treat with COPPERTOX.......

this could be grass tetany because of the fast growing grass now right here is link .....Grass Tetany - UF/IFAS Extension: Solutions for Your Life

InvalidID · #9 04/11/12, 02:18 AM

I feed a high mag loose mineral now as I lost one to Tetany. I didn't know it would cause the foot to be sore, but I have to admit he's on some pretty fresh pasture so maybe. This one is a serious eater too, he'll eat till he's so bloated he can't lay down. Then pant for a while crap and go back to it.

I poured peroxide on it and there weren't any really bad spots. I'll look into the coppertox for sure thanks. He's still eating and moving around but not nearly as much as he should be and it's clear he's in pain. I'm not going to invest a ton into him though. If he doesn't come around pretty quick he's freezer bound I'm afraid.

InvalidID · #10 04/11/12, 03:16 PM

Well, whatever was wrong with him, he's doing a lot better today. Up walking around and eating just fine. Still can tell he's tender, but only when he's turning around or on a hill.

fitz · #11 04/11/12, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InvalidID

Well, whatever was wrong with him, he's doing a lot better today. Up walking around and eating just fine. Still can tell he's tender, but only when he's turning around or on a hill.

That's good news. With the status you're seeing now, could have been a stone bruise.

fitz