Really unwell cow.

dodderangler

Was out hunting earlier and came across a dead calf that was torn apart by foxes and birds. Looked like a newborn. Not far from it there was a cow sitting very awkwardly. Looked extremely dehydrated and very bony on the back and shoulders. It's belly was flat pressed and flies were eating it alive. Had some wounds on it looked like bite marks off something.
It's back legs were flat aswell.
Anyone idea of what is wrong? Birth of calf gone wrong or something. Tried looking for the farmer but no one home. Not even sure who actually owns it.
Pics.


Actually concerned as it was painful to watch the poor thing and I wasn't sure I could put it down. I'm sure I can't without permission. I'm gonna go up tomoro and see if it's still alive and find owner.

_Brian

There's no immediate need to put that cow down but it definitely needs help..
Its most likely an injury in calving, poor thing, otherwise healthy looking animal.

The part time boy

Looks like she after doing the splits .damage after calving I say.

Bit of tlc and time she might be ok .

Judging by the bucket I guess the farmer might know as he feeding her . But be no harm to let him know Just in case

Limestone Cowboy

Most likely paralysis after a difficult calving, can see the bucket in the background that was probably for water and more than likely she moved away from it trying to get up. The marks on her are more than likely sores from sitting in the one spot.

patsy_mccabe

You're right to be concerned. That's a breed of cow called Highland. The shaggy coat and is normal for that breed. The splitting of the back legs like that though is not normal. Probably due to a difficult birth like you said. Judging by the bucket nearby, the farmer may be doing all he can to care for her. No harm talk to the farmer though, just to put your mind at ease if nothing else.

Sam Kade

On another topic, what are you hunting this day of the year?

dodderangler

patsy_mccabe wrote: »

You're right to be concerned. That's a breed of cow called Highland. The shaggy coat and is normal for that breed. The splitting of the back legs like that though is not normal. Probably due to a difficult birth like you said. Judging by the bucket nearby, the farmer may be doing all he can to care for her. No harm talk to the farmer though, just to put your mind at ease if nothing else.

I know it's a highland. Really docile animals. Often would allow me to pet them. This one here doesnt look that old. Just horrible to see her like this. She was panting so heavily and looked like she hasn't been touched by anyone. TBH I'm not even entirely sure who owns the highland cattle as the land she's on was sold two year ago. It's beside the land I hunt on. Il be going up tomoro early to see if I can find the owner. I had a feeling that a difficult birth may have been the cause. Possibly her first time calving. Hope it's not too late. They're among my favourites in cattle.
Hopefully I find someone attending to her.

dodderangler

Sam Kade wrote: »

On another topic, what are you hunting this day of the year?

Rabbits and foxes. Got one of each today.

The Cuban

A case of neglect by the looks of things. Cow shouldn't be left like that.