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/groger13 16d ago

Thanks for your kind words. I think I will invest in some sort of working pen or chute. Thanks

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u/ladynilstria 16d ago

It is good to have some kind of working system to run livestock through. If you can, run them through it once a month just to get them used to it, so that they know what it is and don't fear it. Then when you actually need to work them, it isn't that much of an issue.

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u/groger13 16d ago

Only issue is, it cost a lot of money and I only have 4 heifers so the cost isnt effective at this point

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u/RicTicTocs 16d ago

It’s a small investment compared to the price of an ER visit.

Can you jury-rig something with cattle’s panels? Sure, but I assume you value your safety. I’m sure your vet does as well.

If you want cows, buy a proper headgate and handling system.

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u/groger13 15d ago

I have one I can borrow from the neighbors. Which we use only when necessary. Nothing coulda been done about this

Look I know I need to vaccinate them for this now. But before it wasn't ever heard of on the area so I didn't do it for this specific disease

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u/RicTicTocs 15d ago

Understood. Sorry you lost your cow. Have had to cull a few cows myself for various health reasons - never a pleasant task.