The Note

When I got home from work yesterday, this note was waiting for me on the kitchen counter. 

Cow problems never are good.  Within a few minutes while I was carrying in the groceries, Mike drove up and said Joe needed help, there was a backwards calf.  Joe had noticed the cow in the same spot a couple of times that he had checked yesterday morning and afternoon.  He got her up and called  Mike.  Then they got her in the chute and Joe discovered the problem.  They were able to get chains around both feet but were only successful in getting one leg out.  I was able to give the cow an epidural so she wouldn't strain as much, move the chain on the leg still inside for better leverage and manipulate it to get it out.  Then it was Mike's turn to pull.  They told us in vet school to not pull any harder than 3 strong men, so Joe and I did not have to help Mike.  We had the calf jack just in case but it wasn't needed.  Mike got the calf out quick enough. 

And it was still alive.  A big accomplishment for a backwards calf.  

Mike didn't look too much worse for wear, 

but I think Joe's tee shirt will be headed for the rag bag.  

This morning the calf was up and had nursed.  Joe banded him, 

and sent him on his way back to the field with mom.  Joe said he was expecting trouble because he had had 70 calves with no issues.  Maybe we will get through the rest in as good of shape.