Client Education:
	With the external fixation device (what you see on the outside of the calfŐs leg), 
recovery and care at home will be long and involved.  Even with the best of care, the calf 
may not fully recover for breeding function due to the severity of the fracture and the many 
complications.   
	Stall rest is absolutely mandatory, as any exercise may cause the bones to shift and 
further delay of healing.  This means confinement in a stall for 24 hours a day for at least 6 
weeks.  There are six pins in the leg holding the bone fragments together.  Each pen has 
two associated pin tracts, for a total of 12 sites which need to be cleaned daily.  This can be 
done with a gentle garden hose spray directed specifically into each site.  A little bit of 
drainage from these sites is normal.  However if you see any excessive drainage, or the 
drainage appears cloudy, foul smelling, or bloody please call us immediately as 
radiographs may be needed to determine if the pins have loosened.  If you notice the calf 
biting or licking the device excessively, this could be an indication of pain and we would 
like you to give us a call.  
	The calf is on oral antibiotics to treat the infection as well as pain killers to alleviate 
discomfort.  These medications should be continued as prescribed.  It is essential that the 
antibiotics be given exactly as directed and for the proper length of time in order to facilitate 
recovery.  If you have any difficulty administering these medications please call us. 

We will need to recheck the calf at 6 weeks and repeat radiographs to determine our 
progress.  We may also at this time repeat cultures to determine if the infection has 
resolved.  We have included some information on calving that may help you in future 
situations.           

Proper Assistance during a Difficult Delivery

Since using transgenic cattle often results in larger calves and difficult births, you 
may want to consider using larger or older cattle that have bigger bones and would have 
less trouble delivering.  When using the calf jack, make sure to pull only when the cow is 
actively pushing.  You never want to pull when the cow is not pushing.  Also use as little 
force as needed to extract the calf.  Excessive force can cause tissue damage.  The use of 
obstetrical chains may also be enough to assist the cow.  Only use the jack when absolutely 
necessary.