Have just delivered my first calf :D :D . Pumpkin managed on her own last year (with me watching) but tonight I went to check on her (I realised she was in labour this afternoon so checked on her every 1/2 hour) and saw she was trying to have a calf with one leg back. All I could see was a head and one hoof so called the vet and dad to get a generator and light down to me. The vet said she was on her way (20 mins) and we would loose nothing by me getting stuck in ''think of her like a sheep'' she said (thats great I have delivered ONE of those ??? and this one is large and black and glowering at me!). But I did get stuck in with the superlube and I DID IT!!!. Managed to get the whole lot back in get the other hoof up - turn the whole calf upside down and then the right way up again :D and then out. The vet arived just as I finished and cleared it's mouth (I had only done the nose) checked for another one and gave Pumpkin painkillers. Her calf is a little bull calf and has now had a feed and is tucked up in the shed with a very happy little black cow. Owner is now at home with a large whisky :D feeling very smug.
Congratulations Issy it is a wonderful feeling that does not diminish with the number of calves lambs or piglets that you deliver. Have a large one for me and enjoy :D :D
Well done Issy this is fantastic news we lost our first calf this year and deeply regret that I could not have done more to save him. Of course there is no way you could have lost a little pumpkin at this time of year!
Thank you all for your comments. Inger it wasn't supposed to be complicated - I have no idea how I managed to get it upside down but he came out ok in the end.
Issy, many congratulations. I can see what an immense amount of satisfaction this must give you. I just hope I can react as well in a similar situation.
You go through a period of controlled panic, working as fast and carefully as you can, all the while hoping you aren't too late. Thankfully I seldome see calving problems with our Dexters, especially with our own bulls. If I lease an unknown bull, its a different story. I've had to assist with 4 calvings, from leased bulls. Head shape of the calf is very important in the ease of delivery.
Congratulations Issy what a brave thing to do, quite an amazing thing you have done there. I hope he will make you smile each time you look at him for many months to come.
