Hope Needs Dynasplints
The two photos above show the difference between a normal calf and Hope.
Hope is a calf that spent most of the first 4+ weeks of her life on the ground because she couldn’t walk – she was born with contracted tendons. She couldn’t stand for long periods of time but she must have stood long enough to drink mom’s milk. Neighbors saw Hope laying down in almost the same spot of the property each day.
I can’t imagine how horrible it must have been for Hope during the severe thunder storms that we had – and to be alone! And she had to have been miserable in the extremely high temperatures laying in full sun. She was very lucky that lightening or the coyotes didn’t get her.
Hope’s mom left her alone for periods of time in order to graze and get water and, after the first few weeks, her mom began staying away for longer periods of time. Hope and her mom should have been placed in a small paddock after she was born so mom wouldn’t wander far away and the baby could get limited exercise. Sometimes, with exercise, the issue of contracted tendons will correct itself. Tetracycline antibiotics are sometimes given to help bind up the calcium, reducing the growth of the long bones and giving time for the tendons to catch up. In some cases, with time and exercise, the tendons will straighten on their own. Sometimes, manually stretching the leg(s) out a few times a day will help or splints may be used. None of these things had been done for Hope.
We are stretching Hope’s legs out often. She will still only stand for short periods of time. Dr. Julia does acupuncture and Raindrop therapy on her and we are trying to get DynaSplints for her. Hope is an absolute love and is fully cooperative.
We will be working on the contracted tendon issue and as well as other issues – there are some unknowns but time will tell. It’s going to be an adventure, and a bit time consuming, but if she can have a good quality of life, it will be worth it. If, for some reason Hope becomes uncomfortable and there is nothing we can do, we will love her enough to let her go. But we’re going to stay positive and believe that that she will improve.
Thank you all for caring about her.
When the world says, “Give up,” Hope whispers, “Try it one more time.”
