Calf can't stand

[okiegirl]

We had to pull a calf last night and it's been almost 24 hours and the calf still hasn't stood up.  His is upright and alert but can't seem to get his legs under him.  He's a big calf and it was a hard pull.  We've had him draped over a hay bale periodically today.  Had to use a tube and put a quart and a half of colostrum down him, plus we are milking the momma and feeding him.  He finally started sucking this evening.  Any tips or advice? 

 

[frostback]

So far you are doing great. Just keep helping him try and he will get stronger. Feed him every 4 hours and help him. I use a towel and rub along his top real hard. Its like mom licking him and stimulates him to try. Try to alternate which side you leave him on. Just going to take some work. good luck

 

[loveRedcows]

It seems like those big calves just take longer to get it together, especially after dystocia.  Getting the colostrum in him ASAP was great.  If he started sucking you're in the home stretch - we've had big shorthorn calves that we've had to tube for days.  Agree with frostback - stimulating him by rubbing with a towel really helps.  Good luck with him.

 

[OH Breeder]

We have put some of those big calves across a bale of straw so they can nurse and use their legs a bit. Unfortunately the boogers just take time. You also can talk to your vet, in some cases with extremely hard deliver we have used an anti-inflammatory which seems to get them going faster.

 

[RyanChandler]

Good call w/ the square bales.  Unless something is injured, like most have said, keep feeding him and he'll come around.  Keep drenching him till he shows you he can nurse.  Some Banamine wouldn't hurt to get him feeling better either.

 

[okiegirl]

"Phoenix" finally stood up at lunch today.  He's wobbly but managing to toddle around the pen.  <party> (clapping)

 

[loveRedcows]

Wonderful!  You may have to keep supplementing him until he has enough strength to latch on to momma.

 

[okiegirl]

Thanks for all the advice.  Here is a picture of Phoenix this morning.  Much steadier today and being a typical calf.  He is facinated with our show steer that are in the pen and run next to him.