not too long ago, had a cow that was bit by a rattlesnake i assume.

cow lost her calf, and developed a huge abscess around her kneck. just recently her tongue turned to this hard leather like substance preventing her from eating i think.

the vet came out and administered an iv, and gave her some other medication. everything seems to be normal now, i'm just curious for anyone that has seen this or know of someone that has, are the chances about 0% she will ever have another calf?

Could you determine the location of the bite? We've had lots of cows bitten by rattlers, none of them have ever reacted as strongly as your cow. I'd bet that she will have another calf if you want to keep her. You've got to get her well before you send her to the packer anyway.

An interesting side note, a friend of mine lost a bull to killer bees last week. No kidding, the bull dropped over dead in the trailer on the way to the vet.

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cow lost her calf,

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so you have a three legged cow?

Bites around the head and neck are pretty bad. Legs usually are not a problem. I have never had a bitten cow fail to rebred but once her body condition (assuming she lost a lot of weight) improves and she should start cycling. If she doesn't, sale barn and replace her.

Are you sure this was a snake bite?? Sounds like woody tongue to me. What did the vet give her in the IV? iodine? did he lance the abcess?

[This message has been edited by AggieCowboy (edited 7/16/2008 10:08a).]

yeah i think it was woody tongue, he mentioned that but never said definitively.

the bite was below the kneck, and the vet thought it was a snake bite.

she did initially lose quite a bit of weight, but has since regained that weight, and the tongue issue is long gone.

Sounds like woody tongue, should not effect her ability to calf again. I once was a cow and horse vet, and i stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last nite for what that's worth.

DVM

what exactly is woodie tongue, besides the obvious?

what happens in the body to create that?

she'll be fine. seen it numerous times with cottonmouth bites.

Woody Tongue is caused by a bacteria....some Actinobacillus or something another. It is treated with IV Sodium Iodide, which also treats lumpy jaw, another bacteria. I believe the treatment may cause abortion, but not harm calves.

DVM

Had one get bit by copperhead in ear. Looked nasty. We gave it a double shot of penicilan and kept it clean for a week and it was fine.

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txdawg80
posted 9:15p, 07/16/08



what exactly is woodie tongue, besides the obvious?

what happens in the body to create that?

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http://extensionvetmed.tamu.edu/FAQS/Cattle%20FAQ.htm#woodytongue
What is woody tongue?

Wooden tongue or woody tongue is an infection caused the bacterium, Actinobacillus lignieresii, which lives only in the presence of oxygen. The bacteria, which live in the mouth, invade tissue through breaks in the lining of the mouth. Any rough feed can cause mouth abrasions which allow entry of infection. Rough grasses, twigs or stalks may initiate the disease. Wooden tongue occurs almost entirely in soft tissue with the tongue and lymph nodes of the head most often affected. The disease starts suddenly with the tongue becoming hard, swollen and painful. Affected animals drool saliva and may appear to be chewing gently. The tongue often protrudes between the lips and nodules and ulcers may be observed on the tongue. They are unable to eat or drink and rapidly lose condition. The disease is progressive and often fatal unless treated. It is important to begin treatment early as early treatment is usually successful, but advanced cases may fail to respond. Advanced cases may require surgical drainage and irrigation. Treated animals should be observed regularly, as relapses can occur.