Number of calves born with front legs tendon issues

[Chasingmytail]

Rather strange this is the 3rd calf with leg issues. Nothing different, same bull, same management, same feed etc. Had to bring in cow and calf last night as a good sized AA calf (extremely heavy) but not big. This one is so keen to suck but its legs are buckled over and knuckles turned under. Prev 2 all worked out fine but this one seems a lot worse. Any reason? Had about 15 calves all good and strong. Got about another 12 to go.

Wondering whether to call vet on this one as his legs are struggling to hold him up and only by farmer holding him under and taking his weight. Or do we hold out on time and give it 3 days to sort?

 

[Dairyfarmerswife]

We get this occasionally, sometimes a big calf that's been tucked up tight inside. They usually come right. Dairy here, so they obviously hand reared and I usually have to help them for a day or two. Important to spot it early as it's the lack of colostrum that will do for them if you aren't careful.

 

[Cripper]

They usually come right in a day or two. Had one with banana shaped back legs once. Was prescribed engemycin as that apparently helps contracted tendons and given a selenium injection. Three out of 60 so far with knuckling over problems This year. They have all been AA Bull calves by the same bull that is new this year

 

[Dave6170]

I sometimes get them, angus aswell and they always get over it fine after a few days.

 

[nails]

Rather strange this is the 3rd calf with leg issues. Nothing different, same bull, same management, same feed etc. Had to bring in cow and calf last night as a good sized AA calf (extremely heavy) but not big. This one is so keen to suck but its legs are buckled over and knuckles turned under. Prev 2 all worked out fine but this one seems a lot worse. Any reason? Had about 15 calves all good and strong. Got about another 12 to go.

Wondering whether to call vet on this one as his legs are struggling to hold him up and only by farmer holding him under and taking his weight. Or do we hold out on time and give it 3 days to sort?

They normally come right . If you can, stretch the tendons in the legs by flexing the feet straight and bent a few times . This will help the tendons setting short.

 

[Cowmansam]

Can cast the legs of there really bad just for a week or so