Mini Hereford Steer Seems Lethargic/Labored breathing

[hickoryfieldfarm]

I have a year old mini hereford steer who is a little lethargic and is breathing heavier/faster than normal. His stomach is also a bit distended (not like bloat though, and even on both sides). He is eating, but not all that enthusiastically. The rest of the herd is fine. They are all vaccinated regularly and were wormed in February. Any suggestions?

 

[Farmer Kitty]

Is the breathing raspy or does he have whitish discharge from his nose?

It could be pnuemonia.

 

[hickoryfieldfarm]

Neither, but that is my concern as well....maybe in the early stages?

 

[WildRoseBeef]

I agree with Kitty, it sure sounds like pneumonia. Have you taken his temp?

Usually when you catch them in their early stages of pneumonia they got snot in their nose already and don't really show laboured breathing. This guy could be further along, with clear discharge and laboured breathing.

I'd probably run this by a vet too if I were you...

 

[Farmer Kitty]

I agree with WRB, run it by the vet. If he's had it for a while it could take some heavy drugs to clear it.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

I see this same thread on BYChickens although a different user name. There they are saying bloat. If his side is only a bit distended I would be more concerned about pnuemonia which, btw, can cause issues leading to bloat. Bloat would cause a very distended stomach and usually hard and may sound like a drum if you gently "slap/pound" her side.

You were advised to poke him and let the gas out that way. Tubing, if you know how, is much more preferable.

 

[Imissmygirls]

If you can walk the steer, it will help the bloat too. Be advised this will require about 2 hours of walking, until he starts burping or passing gas. And he will NOT want to walk.

 

[hickoryfieldfarm]

Thanks all, it is definitely not bloat, and his doesn't really have a temp (102).....he's just not himself and I am afraid its going to turn into something....

 

[m.holloway]

hey there, I don't know to much about cows yet, This group is good at helping. But have you checked out his poop. That sometimes tells alot. I use that alot when my cows don't act right. Then I get on here and ask question.on it. And I haven't yet had to call the vet. They have helped out and it has worked out. Just hang in there. I hope that he gets well soon for ya. If you really get worried call your vet to be on the safe side.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

With the labored breathing the lungs are affected. Even with his temp being only 102 (101.5 is normal for those who don't know) he could still have a respirtory illness going on.

I would call the vet out.