Sick Calf

Because Friday is a Holy Day this week, I ran back home on Monday to see how life on the ranch is going. Great, for the most part. As day broke, I saw a lone calf by the fence while everyone else was grazing. After breakfast, she hadn't moved. So Dad and I ran down to take a gander. Sure enough, little sister was not feeling well. With it not being an emergency, we watched her during the day, and then decided to doctor her this evening. 

Tale tale signs of a sick calf: hanging head, drooping ears, mouth hanging open, and a dry cough. She definitely needed a shot. But what was the best way to go about it?

Little blackie was pretty sluggish so roping was my first method of choice. In situations like this, you basically get one good chance. So you better make it count. I didn't. I blame it on the tall weeds in this corner. It probably had more to do with my impatience. Regardless, no go with the rope. 

So I walked them up to the corral. All was well until we got to the gate and they smelt a rat. First one darted then the rest. Fortunately, Andi landed on the right side of the gate. All it took was some secret cowboy ninja moves to get her daughter in there with her. 

No sense in stressing the critters out more than necessary. So we ran them in the working pen. 

Then just sandwiched Sister in the Trinity Gate. 5cc of a spin-off of Darxxin, which is a respiratory antibiotic. Most medications are either administered sub-q (under the skin) or IM (in the muscle). This guys goes deep in the muscle. 

Good luck, girls.

I'm hopeful. Doctoring calves is super effective by catching them early and using the right drugs. Mom and Dad will keep a close eye on them. I bet in two days she'll be back to her old bucking self. Good stuff. Working cattle is fun if you are set up for it. Our little operation is working good so far. If the cows are healthy, everyone's happy. Ranch on.