Injured steer?

[Annoth]

Hey guys I've got a problem with my other show steer. Last night I noticed he looked very unthrifty for the normally perky 5 month old calf he his. Of course he lightened up when he figured out it's feeding time but before hand he was walking stiffly with a slight arch in his back close to his hips.

Today I was bathing him and I was able to see why he's hurting. The bone that sticks out to form his elbow isnt in place. It hurt him enough to dance on the spot and kick forward a bit when I touched it. For as much as I felt it sorta seems like the spike has broken off then broke again (I felt 2 pieces similar to the Calcaneous and Fourth Tarsal or Talus bone in a horse's hock.) However it didnt feel as hard as bone should.

Vet will be coming out but I'm interested in figuring it out before hand. Anyone have experience with something like this? Think the vet will have to sedate him and do a pretty large surgery? He can still walk on it and look like it doesnt hurt too terribly much but anything touching it could be in for a ride.

[oregon woodsmok]

Don't let your emotions rule. If the calf needs a large surgery, put him in the freezer instead.

Surgical correction of broken bones in animals rarely end up with perfect form and movement. Your calf's show career will be over.

I hope that it turns out to be something minor and easily correctable. Your description doesn't ring any bells with me, so I have no idea what it might be.