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Impacted Heifer

DejaVu

Well-known member
I have a heifer that calved the 10th of January. No problems. Until this morning. She's off feed and standing away from the group. There is some bloat evident. Took her to the vet. She is impacted. We put a gallon of mineral oil in her orally and a couple gallons of warm water. He gives her a 50-50 chance. Bummer. It's been so cold, I think she probably didn't drink water like she should have. Does anybody know how long the mineral oil takes to work through her, provided it can? Any suggestions? I've walked her for a long time this afternoon, then let my border collie aggravate her. I don't want to lose her if I can possibly do something else. Surgery is possible but cost prohibitive.
 

Aaron

Well-known member
Ask your vet if he can source 'Cathartic Powder' mix from some manufacturer. It's an old-time assistant for impaction and ailments alike. You mix it with warm water and drench it. Just don't stand behind the animal for the next few hours after you have given it.
 

hillsdown

Well-known member
We have saved a cow with a twisted bowel this way, you need to keep them moving. Walk ,walk walk them ,,all night if you have to. Once you see the oil coming through in the feces she should be on the upside.

Good luck. Surgery is usually the best way to remove an impaction but oil does work sometimes.

I know that that is not much help but keeping her moving at a slow steady pace, NOT running or aggravated , is the best way ..
 

cure

Well-known member
From what I can tell with what you are talking about we around hear call them a D.A. and if it is on the left side you can roll the cow and sometimes get the gut to untwist. Being in the dairy business as well as beef this is a common thing in the weak hearted holstien. If that is not it get some pills that will be a mild laxitive and some pills that will get the bugs in her gut working again. Good luck with your cow
 
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