This newborn Angus bull calf had a severe osteomyelitis in one of the claws of his front right hoof, possibly secondary to being stepped on by his mum though we aren't sure. Since this condition doesn't typically respond well to medical treatment, my vets decided to perform a claw amputation.
Dr. Bossman had me research an updated cattle anesthesia protocol, and Doc had me find her videos and surgical guides since she'd never done this before and it'd been ages since Dr. Bossman had. *nerd squee*
In the meantime, we got him started on meloxicam for pain management (Such teeth grinding! Poor baby!), antibiotics, and began tube feeding since he was refusing to nurse from a bottle. We also did a one-time bolus of SQ fluids.
On the surgery day, we used telazol and butorphanol to provide heavy sedation and pain management, lidocaine for a regional block, and then since we were in the clinic 02 support via mask.
He did great anesthetically, and Doc was surprised how much easier it was compared to the toe amputations she's done in dogs!
We placed a pressure bandage, then covered it with a diaper and plastic bag to keep it clean and dry and prevent fly-strike. We scheduled to change it in 2 days and assess the healing progress then 🙏
Here he is recovering outside in the warm sunshine.
