May. 16, 2003 ~ The new calf
is most likely not going to make it, no matter what we do or don't do. We thought it was a fluke last year when Doofus had his problems, but it seems not. The new one is acting much the same way, and his eyes have clouded up overnight... I think he's blind. Doofus had very limited vision, and cloudy eyes, as well.
Last night's efforts did no good, just upset cow and calf, and the calf seems to have lost the desire to nurse, and the will to live. He will not drink from a bottle. We could tube feed him, stick a tube down his throat into his stomach (yuck), but we've not had much luck with that in the past. When they get to that point, they're usually pretty far gone.
It was sad last night, struggling so hard to save the baby, and nothing helping. I did give him a shot (antibiotics, vitamins, steroids) this morning, though I don't think it will matter. At this point it can't hurt.
Sophie is on her way out, just as soon as she heals up over this delivery and looks presentable, she's headed for the auction. Not her fault, but it can't be helped.
Raising cattle has its sad moments.
This is one.
But considering everything else that's been going on in my life, it's of minor importance in the grand scheme of things.
Still. It's a baby, after all, and I just hate this.
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