Treating A Calf With Foot Rot

One of our young Hereford calves began limping this week.  As is often the case when a calf or cow is limping, the calf has foot rot.  It’s not the best picture but hopefully you can see the swelling and the line of infection between her toes.

foot rot close up

Foot rot is brought on by a bacterial infection.  The bacteria will enter through a wound caused by trauma or by the skin becoming soft and thin between the toes (this usually happens when it is hot and humid.)  If cattle are loafing in a location that becomes saturated by urine and feces foot rot incidences will rise.

The treatment for foot rot is to administer antibiotics, so last night Scott roped the calf and gave her a shot of antibiotics.

foot rot 2

foot rot 1

It’s as if she turned to say “thank you.”

I sure hope she heals quickly!  I always hate it when one of the livestock are sick or injured.  Have you had cattle that have had foot rot before?

Have a blessed day!

Jennifer

 

 

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4 Responses to Treating A Calf With Foot Rot

  1. Emily Grace says:

    Hi Jennifer!

    Thank you for sharing this calf’s hoof story. Getting a bovine hoof to heal takes persistence. They don’t know to keep it out of the muck, etc. (Wish they did!)

    I’m always amazed at how cattlemen can hold a calf down and give it a shot by themselves. I understand they are using their weight at the neck and torso to hold the calf still, but it’s still just amazing to me how they can do that and hold their hand steady while administering a shot. It’s simply a fascinating and admirable skill! Made me happy to see it documented here!

    Best,
    Emily Grace

  2. Danielle says:

    I’m a sucker for a Hereford baby. What a great informational piece! Thanks for linking up with County Fair Blog Party #15

  3. We use to use BlueKote on the goats hooves when this would happen. Try hard to keep them off wetness and prevent this. Following you now came over from FB.
    Blessings
    Linda
    Faithful Acres Homestead

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