| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Nov 09 2008 : 12:24:49 PM
I posted about my harrowing morning on my blog. She is better now I think....sigh
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Nov 11 2008 : 3:18:38 PM
Jenny - so glad that "our girl" is doing much better! I was worried!
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PROUD FARMGIRL SISTER #100 |
| shepherdgirl |
Posted - Nov 11 2008 : 1:52:13 PM
Yes, losing that calf WAS hard on me, since I KNEW I could have saved her at the first sign of illness. My husband insisted she had a respiratory issue, but my instincts told me it was her belly. When I listened to her lungs with my sthethescope they were clear. When I listened to her belly-- No sound. That's NOT a good thing to "hear" in ANY living creature. I tried to get some milk and some electrolytes down her, but it was too late for that. The only thing we could have done at that point was to have the vet come out and hook her up to an IV. Not something my husband was willing to pay for.
If I HAD been taking care of her from the first day all that never would have happened ( or at least, it would not have been so bad). I've been rasing sheep long enough to know you can't make sudden changes to a Ruminants feed (or any animal really) and not expect to have trouble. My husband never even asked how OLD that calf was, let alone what she was eating, if she'd had shots etc..... Thank God I had not backed down about him putting them in the pasture with the other animals so none of them have been exposed to the newcomers. Guess it IS time for me to do A LITTLE interference here and get some shots, some wormer, bovine sized hazard suits etc..... (LOL!) But HE can feed and water them. AND clean up their poop!
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. ~~ George Carlin |
| wild daisy |
Posted - Nov 11 2008 : 1:32:08 PM
Nice to hear you both are on the mend.
Madelynne |
| Jami |
Posted - Nov 11 2008 : 1:28:20 PM
Glad Mona is mending Jenny. I know how fretful it makes you...hard to leave, don't know what else to do for her, etc.
Tracy...I thought YOU were the one bringing animals home and now I find out that your hubby is at the root of your critterfulness? For some reason that got me to giggling. What we won't do for our men! You're a good woman.
Jami in WA
Farmgirl Sister #266
http://woolyinwashington.wordpress.com/
http://farmhouseflair.etsy.com |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Nov 11 2008 : 1:01:34 PM
Kristin...I would think just a couple more days until the milk will be cleared up. I feel alot better not using the antibiotic. I had to use it on her last year once and I hate the waiting...it was after her calf was gone and the time it SAID to wait was only 72 hours...we waited a week just to be sure. I COULD milk out that one quarter separatly and have milk now..but I will just wait a couple days anyhow.
She continues to do just fine today. I was pretty panicked on Sunday.
My knee is better today too. Life is good.
Oh Tracey...sorry to hear about the calf. Even though it wasn't your responsibility it is hard to see that happen.
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| shepherdgirl |
Posted - Nov 11 2008 : 12:49:45 PM
My husband lost a calf this weekend. I felt bad because I could have saved her had I noticed sooner that she was not well. But... I swore I was NOT going to take care of any more animals that he brought home, so I tried to stay away from them. God knows I have ENOUGH of my OWN critters to take care of, but still, it breaks my heart that I couldn't do anything for her because it was too late.  I have to remind myself that the cows are HIS responsiblity, not MINE! I already take care of his sheep, his horse AND his dog, along with all my own critters.
I had a feeling disaster would strike when he told me he was bringing them home. It sucks being right like that. Thankfully the older "girls" seem to be doing well. One of them is supposedly bred (hard to believe since they were all so thin when they got here). If that's the case, we won't be losing THAT calf, that's for sure! (if it's a heifer calf, I just might claim her for MYSELF!!  )
Anyway.... I'm so glad your Mona is doing better Aunt Jenny. Hope YOU are feeling better soon too! Hugs to you both ~~~ Tracy
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. ~~ George Carlin |
| wooliespinner |
Posted - Nov 11 2008 : 10:42:10 AM
I never was comfortable using the udder infusions. It always scared me to try and put it in the teat. I tried once but between the doe fighting and the hole in the teat seems so small I ended up using injectable antibiotics.
So glad Mona is on the mend. I had a dairy goat named Emma Bean go into milk fever the day after she kidded. The vet thought it was ketosis and that was what he had me treating her for.
That night her legs started getting stiff and she had a starry eyed look about her I know that sounds weired but thats the only way I know to describe it. I knew it wasn't ketoisis anymore and that it might be milk fever. I had the cacium paste here thank goodness and mixed it with vanilla yoguart, crushed chewable calcium, and honey to help cover the taste. I was amazed how quickly she responded only after a few hours. I thought I was going to lose her. I was sobbing at the barn praying and hoping. I tried to get a vet but no one would come out that night or let me bring her in. So I was fortunate to have the right supplies on hand and thanksful that she responded so well. After a few days of treatment she started to act her spoiled self again.I just love that goat to pieces.
Every birthing year I sware I end up with a ton more grey hair........lol. I am glad Mona is feeling so much better so you can go off to your new job and not be worried about her health. Soon you will be having fresh milk again and butter. They make the best butter. Take care and good luck with the job.
Linda
Raspberry Run Farm
Nubian Dairy Goats |
| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Nov 11 2008 : 06:21:09 AM
That is great news, Jenny! How long do you have to wait before you can drink the milk now?
I've had to use the udder stuff on one of my goats and had to wait 2 weeks, I think. I haven't had any trouble this year, thank goodness. It sure is stressful when your animals are sick. So glad to hear Mona's better.
Kris |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Nov 11 2008 : 06:12:11 AM
HUGE improvement...Mona is doing LOTS better. She came right in the barn this morning, ate all her grain (hadn't eaten ANY since Saturday..just hay) and did fine with milking. Her milk production has gone down of course, but then the calf is still on her so I know he will keep her going too. It is obvious she feels alot better and I am just thrilled with how she looked. The lumpy milk, which isn't as bad now is only in one quarter. The calf being on her is a good thing in this case..he keeps things moving. I decided NOT to do the antibiotics...and I am glad I made that decision for her. It would only upset her to be separated from the calf for the 12 hours it would need to sit in her udder. (you squirt it up inside each quarter)
I feel better with going off to work today knowing she is on the mend!!
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| wild daisy |
Posted - Nov 10 2008 : 6:48:22 PM
Bless you for all the good things you do. I hope that both you and Mona are better in the morning.
Madelynne |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Nov 10 2008 : 5:58:42 PM
Oh yes!! I do take anti-inflammatories..they just don't help much. I have tried two different daily pain meds (Mobic and Daypro) and neither helped for long either. But I will be fine...and good news..Mona is doing much better tonight. STill couldn't get her in the barn...but I think she is afraid I will dose her up with the nasty paste again. My friend Kate (Katiedid here) came over and helped and we got her milked in the pen (between Summer and Kate and I it worked) and her milk is less lumpy than it was...I blogged about it tonight. I feel very encouraged..she seems ALOT better.
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| Jami |
Posted - Nov 10 2008 : 4:07:51 PM
Jenny, are you taking an anti-inflammatory such as Ibuprofen or Aleve? That might make a difference in your knee pain until you get seen by the doc. Sorry you're crippled up.
Maybe Mona has turned the corner for the better. Hope so!
Jami in WA
Farmgirl Sister #266
http://woolyinwashington.wordpress.com/
http://farmhouseflair.etsy.com |
| acairnsmom |
Posted - Nov 10 2008 : 3:42:45 PM
Oh Jenny, what a couple of days you've had! I'm glad Mona is doing better. I think we've all adopted her as the "forum cow" so we are all concerned about her. I'd say keep off that knee but that would be a bit hard AND take care of Mona too. I guess I'll just say hang in there!
Audrey
Toto, we're not in Kansas any more! |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Nov 10 2008 : 3:03:47 PM
Just got home from buying meds for Mona for the mastitus. She didn't have alot of milk this morning..can't blame her for that..but she IS perkier and was happy to see me each time I have gone out to visit her. Husband came home at 10am to check her too..since I was stuck at work from 8:15 until noon. I plan to treat her for the mastitus when we milk tonight. I think the calcium paste made alot of difference. I picked up the equipment to give her calcium injection subQ if I need to..but I think she has turned the corner. Whew!! Getting a vet out to see anything but a horse here is next to impossible...grrrrrr! I do have several cow friends here in town though and then the family cow board is tons of help!!
My knee is still killing me...no one at the doctor's office today (maybe they made TODAY veterans day?????) so I don't have an appt. yet. I got some heat patches and arthritis rub to put on it for work tomorrow. It was hard to mostly sit in a chair..when I stood up between each child I tutor (45 min per kid) it was hard to walk!!! A heating pad has helped it feel better at home so I am hoping the heat patches will be good for work. The box has 5 in it so that will get me through this week..haha.
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Nov 10 2008 : 12:39:44 PM
I read your blog and am glad that Mona is doing better. I'm praying for her and for your bad knee. I can relate to that - both of mine are bad.
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PROUD FARMGIRL SISTER #100 |
| kristin sherrill |
Posted - Nov 10 2008 : 09:57:03 AM
Hey, Jenny, I was just over on the family cow site to post a cow question and saw yours. There sure are some very smart people over there. I've gotten lots of help so far.
I do hope Mona is better today. Also that ya'll did not get the blizzard.
I hope you're doing ok yourself. Lots of work having a cow, isn't it? But so much fun when they're well.
Kris |
| frolicnfibers |
Posted - Nov 10 2008 : 07:24:55 AM
Glad to hear Mona is doing better. That sounds really scary...I know how I am when one of mine gets sick! Take care all of you.
Diana
Please come visit my animals and my Etsy store on my new blog!
http://www.frolicnfibers.blogspot.com |
| grace gerber |
Posted - Nov 09 2008 : 9:50:01 PM
Oh Jenny, my heart and prayers are coming your way... I know Mona does not like her paste - who would - but I am sure by morning she will have turned the corner - she has a great new son to take care of and a two legged mommy who loves her.
That knee problem is no fun - know how that feels. I have to look at it this way when all the old injuries act up - "If I did not feel the pain I would wonder if I was die". After working real hard for two days straight getting the farm ready for winter I tried to come in the house and go upstairs to clean up and eat but my knee would not let me climb the stairs - so I sat at the bottom of the stairs for a hour or so until it unlocked and took a nice long shower and took a stiff drink. I am with you sister - We Are Alive!!
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
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| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Nov 09 2008 : 8:05:13 PM
Oh the calf is doing fine. He is as cute as a button. I will try to take pictures tomorrow. My camera and my computer are not cooperating..but I can download them from DH's computer..email them to me..and do it that way.
Mona had another tube of paste tonight..as well as diarrhea...and lumpy milk from one teat...so I will have to deal with THAT now. sigh. She seemed to be feeling better though. She is eating a little hay and drinking water..won't touch the grain though..even with mollasses on it. Poor thing. I have to work tomorrow..but just a little over 3 hours so I can go out and milk early and make sure she is okay. DH can check on her 10am and I will be home by noon.
My knee is messed up from dozens of injuries over the years. Last exray I had they said I have osteo-arthritis in it. Lovely. But it hasn't ever hurt THIS bad before. sigh.
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| Marybeth |
Posted - Nov 09 2008 : 6:05:38 PM
Glad Mona is feeling better. How's the bull calf? Is he at his new home already? I know knees--take care of yours. MB
www.strawberryhillsfarm.blogspot.com
www.day4plus.blogspot.com www.holyhouses-day4plus.blogspot.com
"Life may not be the party we hoped for...but while we are here we might as well dance!" |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Nov 09 2008 : 4:47:07 PM
She seems a little better this evening. I will go out to milk in an hour. She will need another tube of calcium paste (nasty stuff and she hates it) before milking.
My knee is no better..which is really a pain in the rear!!! I don't have time for that!
Hopefully though, at least if Mona feels better, things will go okay tomorrow.
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| electricdunce |
Posted - Nov 09 2008 : 3:30:17 PM
Glad to read Mona is doing better. It is always so harrowing when the animals we love get sick. I hope your knee feels better soon too.
Karin
Farmgirl Sister #153
"Give me shelter from the storm" - Bob Dylan
http://moodranch.blogspot.com
http://domesticnonsense.etsy.com |
| Alee |
Posted - Nov 09 2008 : 2:41:09 PM
Jenny- I am so glad that Mona is feeling better. And Congrats on the new job! That is wonderful!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our blog: www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
| Nancy Gartenman |
Posted - Nov 09 2008 : 2:11:54 PM
Jenny,
Hope she is still on the up turn. Poor thing. I ended up reading a lot of your blog. How is your Knee? And let us know about this new job of yours. How you have time I don't know, but you seem to make it work. I still want to knit socks like you do, haven't figured that one out yet. Well good luck with your new job, and go see the doctor about that Knee thing.
NANCY JO
www.Nancy-Jo.blogspot.com |
| junebug |
Posted - Nov 09 2008 : 1:58:57 PM
Oh Jenny, so sorry to hear that Mona is sick, I'm off to read all about it! Hope your both doing well soon!
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