Crippled calf

Cross-posting for a friend, after looking at "contracted tendons" on the web, I think she should splint them. Anyone who has suggestions, please let me know. Someone has told her to give Selenium supplements.....?


>
> Hi Guys,
> I was wondering if anyone could give us some
> advice for helping a crippled calf that was sent to
> our rescue? She is approximately 5 weeks old, full
> blood angus and healthy other than having bowed
> tendons in her legs. Her front feet are curled
> under resembling a praying mantis. When we got her,
> the farmer said that she had been using her rear
> legs. Since we have had her she has not stood on
> her back feet and they are begining to curl at the
> "ankle". After numerous trials and errors, we
> finally got her up in a makeshift sling today. All
> four feet were curled. Our sling is not the best,
> but she was off the floor and could have stood had
> she wanted to. Her legs and feet are very cold. We
> have kept her in the barn, covered with straw and a
> horse blanket. We have also done physical therapy
> on her tendons, but that doesn't seem to be working.
> The vet said not to give her Bute for inflamation
> because of the risk of ulcers. I am giving her
> supplement milk and cattle starter. She is such a
> dear little thing and we are at a loss as to what to
> do for her. Can anyone help? We have made a sling
> of canvas and car straps. It does work, but she
> just hangs there dejectedly and eventually begins to
> slide out. Does someone have a sling that they
> could loan or donate? Any other ideas? We are at a
> loss. I cannot bear to think of having to put her
> down, but we are concerned about how to care for her
> once she gets big. Has anyone dealt with this type
> of thing before? The tendons seem to be worsening
> rather than getting better. Her back ones are
> curling now. Is there a vet procedure that might
> release these tendons and allow her to walk? Please
> help and crosspost to anyone who might be able to
> advise. Thank you all so much. Joyce