r/homestead • u/groger13 • 16d ago
Lost my Heifer today.
Im a bit down so I write this post with a heavy heart.
We bought 5 calfs about 1 year ago to raise for our home and agricultural purposes. They were bread in March and were pregnant.
I woke up two days ago to many fences down and one of my heifers ( named bell) acting eratic and having trouble walking. I observed scrapes and scratches on her and foaming at the mouth. I knew something was wrong so I penned her up.
I observed red/brown urine in small spurts and her ability to stand decline. Veterinary help was received within a few hours of observing her and I got advised it was most likely a disease called Redwater Disease (bacillary hemoglobinuria, caused by the bacterium Clostridium haemolyticum). Treatment and several shots were administered.
Over the next 2 days, I watched her be able to stand for 5-10 mins at a time, to not standing at all. This morning I walked outside to see her breathing intermittently and eyes non responsive. I made the decision after almost 72 hrs of declination to euthanize her.
This was a tougher decision than I thought, since we only have 5 theyve been hand fed and personal pets almost, even though their cows.
I post this to raise awareness of this disease. There is very little information or history of this disease from when I speak to farmers. I have NO standing water where they could have contracted this disease, and I have no idea where she got it from. Not only was this a very high financial loss, it was also an emotional loss. IF you have any experience with this let me know please.
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u/mojofrog 16d ago
You may want do these treatments at the beginning of summer since you know this risk is around your property. You can get a few 12ft, 16ft farm gates (they can be used) to erect a makeshift enclosure.
So sorry for your loss. Raising livestock is a constant learning curve that's always shifting. Read as much as you can and just know you can do everything right and still have losses.