calves with selenium defiency

[Amymay]

I recently bought 3 calves from a dairy farm that are 2 weeks old. They all have the selenium deficiency with the knuckled over front hooves. At birth they received colostrom, Bo-Se, and vitamin A-D. The herd manager said he has given them another 2 ml of Bo-Se a week later and that I could give them another 2ml in a couple of days. Any other suggestions? Will they outgrow this? They have splints on now, are they any help? Thank you!!

[wr]

I've only encountered this a few times and I would certainly follow the instructions you were given. If the calves are generally healthy and active I feel they will outgrow the problem. I have never used splints because I just figured the muscles would grow stronger with use but that is not a vet diagnosis.

[Ronney]

Do you know for a fact that these calves are selenium deficiant or are you taking somebody elses word for it?

Cheers,
Ronnie

[Amymay]

Thank you for the advice. They sure are pushy when it comes come to eat!

[Amymay]

When I talked to the vet they seemed to know what I was talking about with the sypmtoms. I just wondered how long it takes them to recover because it sure looks like it would be uncomfortable and sometimes even painful.

[agmantoo]

All calves that I have seen with the curled front legs/feet seemed to be large calves that were in cramped quarters and within a brief time after being born self corrected with exercise. I would not be too concerned.

[Amymay]

Thank you.

[wr]

agmantoo, we see the same in foals of mares that are overly fat right before foaling.

[Ronney]

That's why I asked if these calves were actually selenium deficient as I've had both lambs and calves born with the problem and the reason has been as Agman says. I think you may find these calves will come right on their own.

Cheers,
Ronnie

[Misty]

You can also have selenium toxicity if you live in an area rich in selenium. We have an abundance area and I sometimes have goats that are born with joint disorders...they eventually correct themselves.
www.geocities.com/buckshotboers2003
www.geocities.com/gonzalesshowpigs