Frisco got pneumonia :(
☆ November 18, 2010
Frisco has pneumonia. But he’s on the upswing now, which is why I’m able to finally write this post! The past week has been rough, culminating in one night of utter despair as I lay next to him in the straw in the dark with my arms around him, thinking it might be the last time….
Bovine pneumonia is not uncommon ~ calves are susceptible when they are weaned and often survive it, though it can kill. Frisco has not been weaned and is older than the usual age for pneumonia risk, so it was a shock that he became so ill. In fact, at the beginning, when I noticed he was “off,” I thought he was depressed.
Last week, we weaned Mike’s calves, and to do this, we moved the homestead cattle (Sir Baby, TR, 16 and her little calf, all the characters you’ve seen on this site) over to a different pasture in order to use the corrals for weaning. The calves being weaned have an easier transition when their mothers are right next to them, just on the other side of the corral fences. The calves can see, smell, and moo to their mothers and Mike and I have found this set up to be far less traumatic than whisking them away from their mothers.
So, in order to do this, we moved the homestead bunch to a pasture across the road, leaving only Daisy and Frisco in the corrals with the group of calves, so that I could continue to milk Daisy. We also thought that Daisy would act as a den mother for the calves and Frisco, so incredibly friendly and carefree, would be a calm and happy presence. Plus, he’s not weaned from Daisy and therefore stays with her.
Weaning Mike’s calves went perfectly smoothly but I noticed, a few days in, that Frisco was not his usual happy self. He was despondent, and kept gazing over to the pasture where his friends had been moved. I thought he was depressed! The next day, I noticed he was no longer nursing Daisy. Something was definitely amiss.
By that time, the calves were weaned and we had trailed the cows to their fall pasture, and so Mike and I immediately moved Frisco’s crew back into the corrals, but Frisco didn’t even get up to meet them. This was so completely out of character for Frisco that it was undeniable he had taken ill.
Diagnosing an animal is not always easy because they can’t talk to you in words. Sometimes it’s a matter of ruling out options based on physical signs ~ he didn’t have diarrhea, he had a bit of snot, he could walk fine but he preferred not to get up. He had lost weight and wasn’t drinking from Daisy. He kept his head on the ground when he was lying down. Mike and I suspected pneumonia based on these signs. Though none of Mike’s calves came down with colds or pneumonia, it was the first time Frisco had been exposed to the younger bovine set ~ he has only been around adult cattle for his entire life, with the exception of 16’s little baby. That, combined with a sudden shift to cold and wet weather just knocked him down.
At that point, I called the vet and described everything to him, and he also thought it was pneumonia; apparently dairy cattle aren’t quite as hardy as the angus are, either. The vet told me the type and amount of antibiotics and cow aspirin to give to Frisco, and to call with a status report the next day. I gave Frisco the medicine that afternoon (via shots) and made a bed of fresh straw for him in the sheltered part of the corrals where I milk Daisy.
That night was bad, but the next morning, Daisy’s udder was empty ~ no milk for me but YAY!! It was the first time he had nursed in days. Frisco was standing at the feed bunk beside her eating hay as well, and when he rested throughout the day, his head was up rather than down on the ground as it had been before. I will give him another dose of antibiotics today and am still keeping a close eye on him, but I do believe he’s on the road to recovery!
Again, thanks for all your sweet healing wishes to the both of us :)
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109 Responses to “Frisco got pneumonia :(”
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November 18th, 2010 @ 10:51 am
so glad to hear he’s doing better!
November 18th, 2010 @ 10:54 am
So heartbreaking when our four legged family members get sick..so glad he is doing better.
November 18th, 2010 @ 10:54 am
So glad he’s better! I was worried after your first tweet about pneumonia. All the best!
November 18th, 2010 @ 10:55 am
Hooray! I’m so glad that Frisco is feeling better.
November 18th, 2010 @ 10:55 am
Sooo happy to read this post. Frisco’s been on my mind all week. Thanks for keeping us all up to speed. I’m sure I speak for all of us when I say give him our love. :)
November 18th, 2010 @ 10:56 am
Very good news! Thanks.
November 18th, 2010 @ 10:56 am
Whewwwww! Good for all of you! Will this brush w/pneumonia render him immune? Hallelujah for antibiotics, your love for him, rest and Daisy’s milk!
November 18th, 2010 @ 11:02 am
Thank goodness. I’ve been thinking of you both everyday. It’s certainly a huge relief he’s on the upswing.
November 18th, 2010 @ 11:04 am
Go Frisco, go!
November 18th, 2010 @ 11:04 am
Oh thank Goodness. This is wonderful, wonderful news.
November 18th, 2010 @ 11:08 am
Excellent news, I’m so glad he’s well. I could only imagine the worry of the last few days! Thank you for sharing this.
November 18th, 2010 @ 11:08 am
Wonderful news!! Hugs to you and Frisco xx
November 18th, 2010 @ 11:08 am
Handsome Frisco! Glad he feels better.
November 18th, 2010 @ 11:10 am
Yay Frisco!
November 18th, 2010 @ 11:10 am
So happy to hear this. Your farmly has become mine too, so I was terribly worried :)
November 18th, 2010 @ 11:11 am
Phew, scary! Glad he’s on the mend. :)
November 18th, 2010 @ 11:11 am
GREAT! I had a felling he would come around under your expert care.
November 18th, 2010 @ 11:16 am
Good ! Get well soon, Frisco !
November 18th, 2010 @ 11:16 am
Zippity-Do-Dah, Zippity-YEAH!
Keep getting better Frisco!
We want a Frisky Frisco!!!
xoxoxo
November 18th, 2010 @ 11:18 am
This just brought the biggest smile to my face and gave me happy chills. I was so worried he wouldn’t pull through and wondered about antibiotics because I know they have delicate systems. Yaaaay for Frisco and your whole farmily, can’t wait to see pics of him up and about doing his thing. Sending you and your whole farmily happy, positive, healing thoughts :o)
November 18th, 2010 @ 11:19 am
YAY!!
Been praying for that little sweetheart.
Go, Frisco!!
November 18th, 2010 @ 11:20 am
So glad that Frisco is feeing better. There is nothing worse than a sick child or a sick pet that we love…..since they cannot verbalize to us what is wrong. Sending hugs and kisses to Frisco.
November 18th, 2010 @ 11:21 am
Awwwwwwwww, AWESOME news!!
:-)
November 18th, 2010 @ 11:24 am
Poor Frisco! I’m glad he’s on the recovery!
November 18th, 2010 @ 11:26 am
So happy to hear that Frisco is on the mend. Here’s to a continued recovery!
November 18th, 2010 @ 11:27 am
poor baby frisco. but he’ll fight through it for you shreve. your farmily is loved like no other, and they know it.
November 18th, 2010 @ 11:31 am
Wonderful news! Thank you for letting us all know Frisco is coming around!
November 18th, 2010 @ 11:32 am
Oh thank goodness! You are such a loving Farmily Momma! SO glad he’s ok!
November 18th, 2010 @ 11:33 am
So glad to hear he is on the mend! I knew with your special TLC, it wouldn’t take long for Frisco to feel better :) All of the farmily are lucky to have you but I know you feel that you are the lucky one!!
November 18th, 2010 @ 11:35 am
You’re a good mommy Shreve.
November 18th, 2010 @ 11:38 am
Happy to hear Frisco is doing better…been worrying about the boy!
November 18th, 2010 @ 11:40 am
Another huge benefit of knowing our critter’s personalities and quirks is being able to notice when they’re not themselves. Kudos for your observance and love for your animals.
Enjoy the day.
November 18th, 2010 @ 11:40 am
Very good news! Thanks.
November 18th, 2010 @ 11:43 am
So glad to hear he’s better; its never good to hear the farmily is ailing (yours, mine or anyone else’s).
November 18th, 2010 @ 11:46 am
Hurrah! It’s great to hear that baby Frisco is getting better. He’ll get better soon enough. I hope you are doing OK as well, Shreve. Keep caring for him, and give him a kiss and a hug from me!
Best wishes and good luck!
November 18th, 2010 @ 11:50 am
sooooo happy to hear that he is improving!! Thanks for keeping us posted.
November 18th, 2010 @ 11:55 am
smilin’ through my tears…and sooooo happy he’s gonna be ok…you’re such an Awesome lady, nurse and Momma too!!! :)
November 18th, 2010 @ 11:57 am
Yay!! The world needs Frisco. He is such a wonderful boy. I’m glad he is getting better.
November 18th, 2010 @ 12:01 pm
So glad your beautiful boy is on the mend. Love ot all of you.
November 18th, 2010 @ 12:07 pm
Wonderful news!
November 18th, 2010 @ 12:09 pm
awwww, so happy for frisco and the rest of you…
November 18th, 2010 @ 12:16 pm
Such great news!
November 18th, 2010 @ 12:20 pm
Oh, I’m so glad he’s doing better! I love how much you love your animals, Shreve. I miss having big furry muzzles to smell and tails swishing around.
November 18th, 2010 @ 12:26 pm
Tip-toe bootie dance for Frisco!! Frisco is blessed to have you for an udder mother!! ;)
November 18th, 2010 @ 12:28 pm
Stay well Frisco!!
November 18th, 2010 @ 1:01 pm
Healing wishes will continue to be sent. Carry on big baby Frisco!
November 18th, 2010 @ 1:02 pm
Woops! I meant, carry on, big baby Frisco.
Sometimes, punctuation matters.
November 18th, 2010 @ 1:20 pm
poor lil buddy. it all evokes images of cow with thermometer held in mouth and blanket wrapped around head whilst healing tea aroma is held near his snout. am hoping he gets much stronger for winter setting in. is SirBaby handling the changes well? Never in life have I thought more about cows. lol.
November 18th, 2010 @ 1:37 pm
Oh, Shreve, what a huge relief it is to know Frisco is responding to the meds and doing better!!! Still sending prayers and all blessings for continued improvement. Please give him a great big hug from me…and try to get some rest, youself, now that he’s on the mend.
November 18th, 2010 @ 1:38 pm
Excellent news! Give him a pat and a skritch from this side of Wyoming for me, would you?
November 18th, 2010 @ 1:42 pm
Great news. I knew you could do it.
November 18th, 2010 @ 1:55 pm
Great news. He is one lucky bull to have you to care for him.
November 18th, 2010 @ 2:00 pm
Do you have a barn that sick animals can stay in? Otherwise, I’ll stick with my suggestion that he should come in the house if sick-y.
Because you guys get stupid cold weather.
Is there a pneumonia vaccine for cows like the ones for humans? Great job on the little guy.
November 18th, 2010 @ 2:01 pm
It must be like having a sick baby(not that I’d know). You know something is wrong but they can’t tell you. It’s good you were observant and better that he is on the mend.
November 18th, 2010 @ 2:15 pm
so very happy to hear that hes doing better. I know how it is to love them so much.. keep us updated..sending prayers and good wishes to you all
November 18th, 2010 @ 2:37 pm
What a relief to know he’s feeling better. Go Frisco! The Farmily wouldn’t be the same without you! Sending good thoughts to everybody!
November 18th, 2010 @ 3:06 pm
So happy! What a trooper and sweetie he is.
November 18th, 2010 @ 3:06 pm
Happy Hooves dance for Frisco! Keep getting better, Sweet Baby Boy.
November 18th, 2010 @ 3:29 pm
Very glad he’s on the mend. Kudos to you and Mike for your careful observation and early diagnosis; the crucial bit of treating any sickness / injury.
The trust that animals are capable of giving us is, for me, the most precious and fearful thing about them. Your animals trust you, knowing as their Alpha you will give your all for them. I don’t doubt that trust is an important part of Frisco’s recovery.
November 18th, 2010 @ 3:35 pm
OMG the ears! The baby horns! So cute! (:
Animals are a tough bunch to diagnose. I find they like to hide their illness until its well underway as well. And their pain tolerance can be amazing. My dog had stepped on a piece of glass. He didn’t show any distress, walked on that leg fine, no limping. The only reason I knew something was wrong was because he was leaving a trail of blood behind him. Yeesh. He also let me pick out the glass without a yelp or wince.
I’m glad Frisco is on the mend
November 18th, 2010 @ 4:25 pm
Excellent news.
Eating hay, huh? You think he’ll be weaning himself? Or just supplementing after drinking Mom dry?
November 18th, 2010 @ 4:36 pm
Great to hear he’s on the mend! I am sure your connection and love for him is a significant factor as well as the antibiotics!
Hugs and a nose kiss from me to Frisco!
November 18th, 2010 @ 5:04 pm
Hurray for a hopefully speedy recovery!
November 18th, 2010 @ 5:09 pm
Oh, what a lovely vision I have of you and Frisco snuggling! Love in its purest form!
November 18th, 2010 @ 5:45 pm
Still sending those healthy, strong vibes to Frisco. He will need them for a little while longer. How we love our animals!
November 18th, 2010 @ 6:10 pm
cow aspirin?
…seriously?
are we talking a really big pill or what?
btw, i hope that Dr. Ricardo is keeping guard close to Frisco, it’s a well known fact that geese are some of the best m.d.’s around.
(whoa — what did i put in my coffee?)
November 18th, 2010 @ 6:15 pm
I’m sure you’ve covered this before, but I’m a newer reader. Is there a reason Frisco hasn’t been weaned yet, when you’re weaning younger calves? Is it because you use his mother for milk?
I’m glad Frisco is doing better, and enjoy reading both your blogs!
November 18th, 2010 @ 6:35 pm
YAY!!!! one less thing to worry about, as Forrest Gump would say.
November 18th, 2010 @ 7:07 pm
So happy to hear that Frisco is on the mend! Will continue with the positive vibes from the pack!
November 18th, 2010 @ 7:12 pm
So glad your baby is doing better.. it just sucks when a fur baby is sick.
November 18th, 2010 @ 7:54 pm
CP ~ explanation here! http://honeyrockdawn.com/2010/10/most-ridiculous/
November 18th, 2010 @ 8:08 pm
I’ve been worrying about your baby from afar and am very glad to read that he’s doing better. My thoughts are with you and Frisco. Speedy recovery and kisses on your nose(s)!
November 18th, 2010 @ 8:13 pm
Go Big Boy !!what a beauty…
November 18th, 2010 @ 8:37 pm
So glad he’s doing better! It’s terrible to be sick but I think it’s worse to have a loved one sick! Still sending lots of healing thoughts your way!
November 18th, 2010 @ 8:40 pm
I’m so glad he’s feeling better!
November 18th, 2010 @ 8:47 pm
what a tough time for you both. I’m so glad Frisco is on the mend and you don’t have to worry quite as much. He is a handsome fella – bet he’s glad he’s feeling better too!!
Take care – both of you, and the other farmily!
November 18th, 2010 @ 8:48 pm
thanks for the update, great news!
November 18th, 2010 @ 9:22 pm
Great news, Shreve. So glad Frisco is feeling better.
November 18th, 2010 @ 10:01 pm
There’s that handsome guy! Knowing you as I have come to know you through your words and pic, I knew you would lay beside him in the straw and hold him. Pure love. So so happy to know he is doing better. Hugs to you 2
Jackie/Montana
November 18th, 2010 @ 10:33 pm
Such good news for you (not to mention Frisco, of course!). Now you REALLY have something for which to be thankful next week . . . even more than usual, which is a lot.
Blessings to all of you.
November 18th, 2010 @ 10:39 pm
Go Frisco!
Also ran into this neon “SHREVE” on flickr just now:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sethgaines/5188492308/
November 19th, 2010 @ 5:34 am
Oh, the worry, when we have a sick animal. I will hope to hear continuing good news about Mr. Adorable.
November 19th, 2010 @ 6:04 am
Is that bacterial pneumonia vs. viral?
November 19th, 2010 @ 6:09 am
The reason I ask about bacterial is that I think it responds to antibiotics quickly and well. So happy you know your animals enough to give/get them help quickly.
November 19th, 2010 @ 6:10 am
The reason I ask is that I think it responds to antibiotics quickly and well. So happy you know your animals enough to give/get them help quickly.
November 19th, 2010 @ 8:34 am
yeah Frisco! what a sweet life he has with you :)
November 19th, 2010 @ 8:35 am
Thank goodness. And your good care.
November 19th, 2010 @ 8:43 am
Another “whew…” and a big YAY! Thanks for the update.
November 19th, 2010 @ 8:53 am
I’ve been afraid to look at your tweets/blog. I am SO HAPPY for Frisco and you! Such good good news! Still sending bunches of good thoughts coming Frisco’s way from CT.
November 19th, 2010 @ 9:52 am
I’m so happy for you as I know how hard it is to lose an animal you love. Our beautiful dog Bija was acting strangely when we left on holidays but I put it down to her being old (almost 14) plus not happy with going to the kennel. I should have listened to my gut feeling that something was different therefore wrong but didn’t and we left. Four days later we got an email from our son saying she’d become violently ill at the kennel and “flipped” her stomach requiring immediate surgery. She made it through that but her heart gave out during the night and we never got home in time to say good-bye. I’m still crying three months later. I’m happy you have your brood around you still Shreve.
November 19th, 2010 @ 10:23 am
Shew. Grateful for the good news! Hopefully the farmily will be back to normal soon!
~Leah in Indiana
November 19th, 2010 @ 10:48 am
Poor Bubbus!!So glad you were there to comfort him, and nurse him. And thrilled that he is on the mend. Such a worry, but a relief when things work out. Bless you Shreve, for your care and love. I know that Frisco responded because of the love he gets from you and the rest of the farmily.
November 19th, 2010 @ 1:59 pm
SO glad to hear Frisco is doing better. Sending lots of love his way…
I will have to choose another screen name. I lost my little kitty girl Puck 2 weeks ago. She had gotten very sick about a year ago, with hepatic lipidosis. She recovered from that, but got sick again in January, when we almost lost her. The presumptive diagnosis was lymphoma, so I knew we had limited time with her, but she had been doing so well this summer. I take comfort in that she had a great summer, napping in the window sun and being spoiled constantly. Also, that she did not suffer long at the end. My husband woke me at 3 in the morning to say she was having trouble breathing, and by 3:30 we were at the vet hospital putting her to sleep.
We had 16 wonderful years. I still can’t believe she’s gone…
November 19th, 2010 @ 2:21 pm
Well you can thank yourself for his recovery!! You are a wonderful mother to your animals :)
November 19th, 2010 @ 2:27 pm
So very glad that Frisco is on the mend. I’ve done the all nighter’s for horsey colic, it can be very scary.
November 19th, 2010 @ 2:47 pm
Glad to hear it! Thx for the good news.
November 19th, 2010 @ 5:01 pm
yay! Glad to hear he’s feeling better! I was worried about you guys…
November 19th, 2010 @ 5:01 pm
Geeez , Good job !!!! What a relief…..
November 19th, 2010 @ 5:21 pm
so glad to hear he is better.
November 19th, 2010 @ 7:02 pm
Oh, what a relief he is ok. Bless you for taking such good care of this sweet baby! Bless his little heart!! HUGS and kisses to both of you! Blessings for you too! :)
November 19th, 2010 @ 7:44 pm
Whew, so glad to know Frisco is frisky again. Thank you for being you.
November 19th, 2010 @ 8:43 pm
Poor Frisco! Glad he’s on the up and up.
November 19th, 2010 @ 11:22 pm
What a relief! So glad to hear Frisco is on the mend! I hope he makes a swift full recovery.
November 20th, 2010 @ 12:41 am
So glad you and your animals are
doing well. Love reading you site
every week. Thanks.
November 20th, 2010 @ 8:52 am
Oh yay! I’m *SO* happy to hear your baby is doing better! :oD
November 20th, 2010 @ 11:31 am
Oh, I’m so relieved to hear Frisco is better!! I must confess he is the first cow I have ever prayed for!!! I know your heart was aching for him!!! Give him a hug for me!!!
Debra
November 20th, 2010 @ 1:30 pm
Hurray! Glad he’s on the mend and your heart can rest lightly at night.
November 20th, 2010 @ 5:03 pm
So relieved to hear that Frisco is feeling better! He’s been in my thoughts & prayers since I read your tweet. I hope that you’re getting time for some R&R as well!
November 22nd, 2010 @ 11:55 am
Such good news. The cow says “whew”!