Bad Banding Job?

[Stubbornhillfarm]

We have two steers (maybe) that were banded when they were between 3-4 weeks old. The person doing the banding felt that both of the testicles had dropped. Now that the cows are about 14 weeks old, it sure does look and feel like they each have one testicle! Is is possible that the person banding completely messed up? Or does it sometimes look like there is something still there? Any prior experience and knowledge would be helpful. Thanks in advance!

 

[WildRoseBeef]

It's quite possible that the person did mess up. One always has to make sure that there are two testes in the sac and that they are pulled down to the base of that sac before putting the little Cheerio ring on. Sometimes, though, one teste is late in descending down into the scrotum and thus doesn't get banded.

 

[Stubbornhillfarm]

Oh my goodness! I assume that you can't reband?

 

[WildRoseBeef]

Oh I think you could, but you'd have to cut the initial band off (being very careful not to cut the skin), then reband again.

 

[redtailgal]

.

 

[Stubbornhillfarm]

redtailgal, Yep. I know...steer. Well currently, they are apparently still bulls I hear ya on the terminology! Yes, the bands are long gone all healed up and all. They were banded like I said at about 3-4 weeks old. They are now 14 weeks old. I kept saying that one of them looked like he still had testicles. My questioning was ignored. However, seems that now...I may have been correct. I don't know a lot about bovines, but some parts of anatomy are pretty recognizable! I really am hoping that we can reband, but the area that looks like it needs to be removed is tight skin. Not loose like it once was. Not sure how that would work. Thinking they may need to be cut. We have very few large animal vets in Maine. Kind of stinks. That is pretty up close and personal! Gotta do what you gotta do though huh? Farming life IS great!!

WildRoseBeef, I sooooo wish that the band was still on there. I agree cutting it off would be stressful, but it would in my opinion be a better situation than what we have here.

 

[redtailgal]

z

 

[kstaven]

That mistake is more common than many are willing to admit. Banding based on date rather than checking to make sure both have dropped.

 

[Stubbornhillfarm]

Well....we are just going to bite the bullet! These two Jersey bulls are of course not traditionally for beef. However, this is what we have purposed them for. With that being said, they are going to be around for most likely at least a year and a half. We want to make sure that they are healthy and growing in the proper fashion. So...an expensive lesson learned and we will be calling a vet to come out and take a look at them. I'll let ya'll know what he/she says. Thanks so much to all of your for your input! It really is nice to have some resources to give ideas and guidance at the drop of a keystroke. Be blessed.

 

[Goatherd]

I don't have bovine, but this may apply...

I recently had an adult male goat wethered at my vet's office. I was with him during the entire procedure and "witnessed" two testicles being removed. Now, several weeks later and almost completely healed, he looks as if he still is intact. This may shrink and get smaller in time, but at present, it looks as if nothing was done.
Possibly the banding worked, but you're seeing something similar to what I'm describing?