Dropped foot in a newborn-any suggestions?

[mlk32]

We have a 3 day old calf that has had a bumpy start when his mother prolapsed.  He was a very large calf for the size of his mother but was delivered when we arrived.

After two days of not being able to stand without assistance, this morning he was up and nursing on his own.  That made my morning.  However, upon the proverbial further review, I noticed he was really "walking" on the first joint in his right front foot.  When I pull it up and place the hoof down, he is able to maintain it in that position but it buckles as soon as he tries to walk. 

Is there anything I should/could be doing at this point?  Prognosis for recovery?

 

[Dusty]

Usually they'll come out of it on their own.  I wouldn't worry too much about it when he starts walking around more he'll start walking on his foot instead of the joint.  If you want you can put a splint on it to keep it straight for a couple days.

 

[Show Heifer]

Most of the time excerise is the answer....but also have put PVC pipe splints on them.....make sure you use plenty of padding, and change at least every 3 days. Usually take about 7 days to straighten them out.
Wish you luck

 

[fluffer]

Man, rough start for the poor little guy. 

He was probably smashed inside his momma and considering he was like that for several months it will take some time for him to work out that "kink" in his leg.  He will probably straighten out, but if you think there is more of a problem, maybe a vet could tell you better.  Good luck with him, Is momma doing ok after the prolaps?

Fluffer

 

[Ruebush Shorthorns]

We have used cardboard and duc-tape before and it has worked.  We have even done this for a 600 pound steer that hurt his foot on the trailer.

 

[daydreamingacres]

We have had a few calves like that sometimes a few CC of Bo-Se helps! Hope momma and baby are ok!

 

[red]

check w/ either DL or common Sense. Both had their own version of splinting. Just depends on what you have avaiable. Doesn't John Deere make calf splints? 

Red

 

[3GCC]

we just had a sunseeker heifer calf that one back leg is rolled over but she is only 2 hrs old. how long should i wait to do any thing or do you think she will be ok? she was 85lbs and unassisted.pics will be as soon as possible.

 

[red]

they usually come out of it. Had a heifer born the same way. Hubby called her Ugly & now she's Ultra. That will be the last of the U names unless I get another bull & he's going to be Uno.

Red

 

[kanshow]

We usually wait a day or so before splinting unless the calf cannot stand at all.  We don't keep them in a splint very long either.  I think about 2 days then the splint comes off for awhile.  If needed, we resplint.  One thing  we've noticed is that these calves seem to be able to get around a little better on good footing without deep bedding- get them on the right kind of footing and you might not have to splint them. 

 

[mlk32]

The calf seems to be better this morning.  He was at least able to place the hoof down when he was standing still so hopefully he will continue to improve without splinting.    I will thin the bedding in the pen to make it easier to get around.  He did get a Bo-Se shot within the first 24 hours. 

Mom seems to be doing fine considering the extent of her prolapse.  Per the vet, I am giving her a five day course of Penicillin to hopefully avoid infection.

Thanks everyone!