Treating calf with joint ill. Very frustrating...ideas?

[Pumpkinpup]

I have a 5 week old brahman bull calf named Boudreaux. He came to me with a condition called joint ill because his owner did not have enough sense to dip his umbilical cord when he was taken from his mother

The poor little guy has had huge swollen, sore joints as long as I have had him. Three of them have healed nicely with baytril treatment but one, his back left hock (ankle) is still huge so I have started him over again on his second round of antibiotics and ten asprin in his bottle per day to keep him comfy. He plays some now and is soooo cute but for the longest time it was difficult for him to even get up. His appetite has always been good and he is very allert and a happy little guy.

I just wish he would get over this all together. It really steams my cookies to think that something so simple as treating his cord could have prevented all this horrible episode. People are so thoughtless and cruel!

 

[Haviris]

When my heifer had it, one joint was swollen, so we flushed the joint a few times (she was on antibiotics to). Vet said 70% chance and that he was giving her more because it was me, BUT a few months later they asked about her, clearly expecting the worst, and seemed pretty suprised that she was alive and well.

 

[Pumpkinpup]

I am praying that Boudreaux heals and does well. I don't think I can take any more heartache. Lately I have had way more than my share.

I'm a sucker for hard cases and "Bud" is no exception. I tried my best to save two mistreated calves with pneumonia back last winter. I kept one going until just last week. Her mate died soon after I got them. They were standing in 8 inches of black mud and soaked to the skin when I found them. I wanted to break the little weasel who owned thems neck! UGH

 

[Riocotesei]

I'm sorry about your calf! I recently lost my bottle boy and it really does stink. Good luck with your little bull. Hope he gets better.

 

[cassie]

I have had a few goat kids that got joint ill. I just treated the goat with systemic antibiotics. I did not treat the joints. They recovered. How is his temp? If he is still running a fever, maybe the antibiotic you are using isn't working.

 

[Pumpkinpup]

Quote:
That is good to hear, Cassie! Thank you for that uplifting information

I feel better having read it and knowing this can be beaten.
What antibiotic did you treat with? "Bud" seems a bit improved this morning and ate his entire bottle with much gusto. His poo is still white but I think that will correct itself with the meds for cocci. I feel pretty certain that it is the cause.
The joints are still quite swollen on the one leg. I don't have a thermometer to take his temp but will get one. He did feel a bit warm to me today.