121# Heatwave calf w/ swollen tongue

[muleman]

Pulled a backwards Heatwave calf 2 days ago and its tongue seems to be swollen.  I notice it when she was tring to suck on the back tits, which it can't suck on . Any ideas?  My guess is that it will go away after a week or so. Thanks for any imput.

 

[6M Ranch]

Had that happen before a couple of times.  Had to tube feed the calf until the swelling went down.  Only took a couple of days.

 

[kanshow]

If it's not too bad, it should go away in a day or so but like 6M says , you might have to tube it.

If its very bad - call your vet - ours has had us give the calf an injection to reduce the swelling. 

 

[red]

sometimes during a long, difficult birth they have their tongue out & it swells. We usually see it go down w/ the head after a day or two. agree w/ Kanshow that if it doesn't in a couple or you think the calf isn't getting the milk it should to check w/ a vet.

Red

 

[Jill]

JMO, most Heat Waves are big and dumb, the swollen tongue will go down in a day or 2, but continue to watch and make sure it is eating.

 

[loveRedcows]

OK, laugh all you want -- it works!  A difficult birth can cause swelling of the calf's tongue.  Rub sugar (yep, plain ole table sugar) on the tongue.  Don't have a scientific explanation -- it just reduces the swelling!

 

[shortyjock89]

OK, laugh all you want -- it works!  A difficult birth can cause swelling of the calf's tongue.  Rub sugar (yep, plain ole table sugar) on the tongue.  Don't have a scientific explanation -- it just reduces the swelling!

That's pretty cool...but I have one question...how did you come to find this nice little tidbit out?  I don't want to hijack the thread, but that is some cool advice.

 

[loveRedcows]

OFS - our old vet told us that years & years (we're old!) ago when we had it happen with a calf.  Thank's for asking.

 

[knabe]

OK, laugh all you want -- it works!  A difficult birth can cause swelling of the calf's tongue.  Rub sugar (yep, plain ole table sugar) on the tongue.  Don't have a scientific explanation -- it just reduces the swelling!

That's pretty cool...but I have one question...how did you come to find this nice little tidbit out?  I don't want to hijack the thread, but that is some cool advice.

what's the sugar content of colostrum milk?  there has to be a good amount of sugar in there.  probably this remedy is a natural remedy they cow already has?

 

[reno1014]

Old vets are the best...back on the dairy our vet told us to use plain Pet milk..that you use for cooking in eyes for pink-eye and cloud-over it has also
worked on goats and my old dog. 

 

[showcattlegal]

Sugar really does work for swelling.