Cold Water Hydrotherapy for Baby Calf Injured in Attack

**** WARNING!!**** Some of the photos are of a graphic nature and may offend some people - proceed with caution!!

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This is a month and a half old heifer calf born to a first time calver (Black Angus X) that has been attacked by something in one of our pastures.  This poor little beast has had it's tail bitten off at the base and suffered lacerations/puncture wounds to the flanks and neck area.  Since no one was witness to this attack, we're not really certain of what it was that did so much damage.

You can see here a fairly major puncture wound, but minimal swelling and no signs of infection.

My sister in law has been busy with this calf, cold water soaking and treating her with antiseptic spray daily.  Also, a few rounds of penicillin were given, with intentions of treatment with long lasting penicillin once most of her wounds are healed better.

Above we are using massage techniques around the puncture wound to remove any debris that had collected there and to stimulate circulation for healing.

The opposite side from the major puncture wound shows the vicious nature of the attack.  The Conservation Officer for our area had been out upon request and figured that it may have been feral dogs from a near by reserve.

Our poor patient has been turned out with her mother in a small paddock for recovery.  She is getting used to being handled by humans (thank goodness she is still quite small!!).  Will continue to update progress!