Cattle dehorning

randm · #1 10/16/14, 09:27 PM

I had a heifer dehorned last week, the vet cut the horns out and removed the bleeder, she hasn't been bleeding but there is some fluid from the wounds, it looks like it is healing and sealing up, I didn't get any kind of directions as far as care after the process, I haven't noticed any flies in the wounds but was wondering if there is any kind of dust I should be putting on the wounds to help keep it clean, she has been acting normal but was just curious if I should be doing anything in addition.

msscamp · #2 10/16/14, 10:11 PM

Personally, unless she bumps her head and causes the wounds to start bleeding, I would leave her alone as long as she is eating well, acting like her normal self, and there are no flies. Getting her up to treat when it isn't necessary will cause stress and could do more harm than good.

randm · #3 10/17/14, 07:21 AM

Thanks msscamp, I have learned here sometimes it is better to let things take its course instead of pouring antibiotics and creams and powders at every thing. I will keep an eye and make sure there aren't any flies. The only time she acted different was the day of the surgery she just stood at the hay ring staring into space, I assume she was doped up or in serious pain. But she is the first to the bunk and the last to leave.

G. Seddon · #4 10/17/14, 07:30 AM

You could always call the vet and ask what to look for and how to recognize a problem.

randm · #5 10/17/14, 07:31 AM

Yes I will be doing that today as well.

ksfarmer · #6 10/17/14, 08:43 AM

Dehorned probably thousands over the years. Never had to do any follow-up except a time or two when one knocked the scab off and started bleeding again, and I did help a neighbor treat some calves that were dehorned too late into fly season and got maggots in the horn cavity.
Just watch her for a couple of weeks to see that the healing process is going ok, no fresh bleeding or excessive drainage.

francismilker · #7 10/18/14, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ksfarmer

Dehorned probably thousands over the years. Never had to do any follow-up except a time or two when one knocked the scab off and started bleeding again, and I did help a neighbor treat some calves that were dehorned too late into fly season and got maggots in the horn cavity.
Just watch her for a couple of weeks to see that the healing process is going ok, no fresh bleeding or excessive drainage.

I'm always in to learning new tricks ksfarmer. How did you treat the maggots?

ksfarmer · #8 10/19/14, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by francismilker

I'm always in to learning new tricks ksfarmer. How did you treat the maggots?

What we did was scrape the scab and clean off the dehorn site, dug maggots out of the hole as best we could, then poured (I forget the name) some purple disinfectant stuff into and around the hole. Also sprayed for flies. As I remember, it was not a fun job. Neighbor was over in the corner chucking up his lunch. Not a pretty sight, not to mention the smell. (the neighbor either, LOL). I think one time did the job. And my neighbor didn't dehorn in flyseason again.

msscamp · #9 10/20/14, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ksfarmer

As I remember, it was not a fun job.

Anything having to do with cleaning out maggots absolutely sucks! Never had to deal with maggots in dehorning wounds, but have had to help in digging maggots out of brands that went too deep and became infested with maggots. We used peroxide to disinfect. I sincerely hope I never have to be a part of that again!