swelled head

[nuttalls]

hello all, last nite calf with very swelled head and cheeks, about to get vet, went this morning swelling gone, investigated omg 2 massive chunks of grass size bag sugar in throat, lucky he alive did splutter a bit when he second lot came out. suckling mum now thank god. he a lucky calf jean

[Duncan MacIntyre]

Just keep an eye on him Jean in case there is some sort of problem with the swallowing reflexes, beware of a slow build up of lumps again and get it out if you see any.

Duncan

[nuttalls]

thanx for that Duncan, it seems that the calf might not be cudding, he,s sucks like a good un but today another lump, he,s healthy and happy enough. going to get him in and try some solids to see what happens, I believe cudding with some calves take longer than others, and see what happens jean

[Duncan MacIntyre]

I think you should still speak to your vet, it may be that there is infection/abscess somewhere even in the brain interfering with the swallowing reflexes, and antibiotics may be appropriate, but it is dangerous for me to judge, best to see what your own vet says.

Listeriosis is one possibility, is the face/eyes/ears all ok and symetrical?

Duncan

[nuttalls]

well vet not sure, gave me drugs to try, then see how it goes, newt wrong wi his brain Duncan only running out my way, got them pe ned in lane for now,he is a non pedigree bullock, thank god it.s not of my bull all rest finished calving, just m new venture angus heifers to calve. jean

[nuttalls]

well finally he,s right, kept swelling after drugs vet baffled, kept unloading his throat then he sucked asap, he,s been clear for a week now so all gud. well some of angus that calved two of them had twins, they have all been bulls up to know 7 down 2 to go