Heifer with swollen brisket

[-chris-]

One of our heifers suddenly developed a large lump under her right leg. We called the vet who stuck a needle in a few places and didn't really know what it was. It did bleed for a few hours after from one of the places.

We gave her anti inflammatories for three days and thought it was going down but two weeks later I'm not so sure.

Her temp is normal and she eats very well. Vet ruled out a cyst and didn't think it was a haematoma?

Has anyone seen anything like it?

 

[Grim Reaper]

I had one last year, similar to yours but a bit further under, nearer her bag.
Vet came out but couldn't find a problem, the lump went down after a long time and she wouldn't hold to the bull so ended up in the fat ring.

 

[-chris-]

I'm wondering if I should put her in our fattening yards but am tempted to bull her.

 

[HillLuing]

Assumed she was in calve for this year???

If she is still just a bulling heifer I personally would put in Fat pen...

 

[-chris-]

She's only 17 months old so plenty of time to finish her.

 

[HillLuing]

Only reason I would put her in the fat pen is if you don't find out what it is etc then it could be anything and could happen again and be worse when she in calve or rearing one!

 

[farmer JD]

I have had one like that before it just went in time

 

[-chris-]

She's one of five I bought a few months ago and she would have to be one of the better ones. I was hoping someone was going to say it'll go down and she'll be fine but is it worth the risk?

 

[Northeastfarmer]

I had a calf do that this year whilst outside, jabbed it with pen and after a couple of weeks it burst open with poison

 

[S J H]

If that's 17 months, then I wouldn't kill it. She's a cow maker

 

[bovine]

I tend to put the ultrasound scanner on them to see what looks to be going on. I'm not a fan of random stabbing as it just introduces infection. I'll put a needle in if I think I can see a pocket of puss.

I think some are trauma (haematoma) that ultimately get infected and end up as abscesses.

I have also seen oedema there from fluke and Johne's (looks in good nick so not sold on that in this case).

If she's 17 months she should either be in calf or going fat.....

 

[organicguy]

I tend to put the ultrasound scanner on them to see what looks to be going on. I'm not a fan of random stabbing as it just introduces infection. I'll put a needle in if I think I can see a pocket of puss.

I think some are trauma (haematoma) that ultimately get infected and end up as abscesses.

I have also seen oedema there from fluke and Johne's (looks in good nick so not sold on that in this case).

If she's 17 months she should either be in calf or going fat.....

Interesting you say Johnes, we have a 1st calver with swell in her brisket, otherwise fine, tested positive for Johnes on milk test, will go at end of lactation.

 

[multi power]

Is the lump bothering her?

 

[-chris-]

Doesn't seem to bother her at all. Got a couple of weeks to decide before the bull goes in.

 

[multi power]

Doesn't seem to bother her at all. Got a couple of weeks to decide before the bull goes in.

If it isn't bothering her then i wouldn't be getting stressed about it

 

[choochter]

If it isn't bothering her then i wouldn't be getting stressed about it

Wouldn't keep her for breeding either, though

 

[Northeastfarmer]

Wouldn't keep her for breeding either, though

Why ? She may of just had a bump

 

[choochter]

Why ? She may of just had a bump

Well, she is exhibiting a susceptibility to something, so that puts her in a higher risk category if being trouble in the future.

 

[multi power]

Well, she is exhibiting a susceptibility to something, so that puts her in a higher risk category if being trouble in the future.

Maybe a bit harsh, but can't argue with that