New Baby reindeer to my herd

Computer life is a funny thing. As I was posting my guess on Thor, another post came in - BlackCaviar's. So I altered mine to include us both, with BC's name listed first as the primary guess. Imagine my surprise to see the time listed between our posts as two hours apart later on! Go figure! Sorry things got a bit mixed - but the guessing was all for fun. Karen, you are so busy that anyone can excuse you overlooking a post or two.

Freya is my favorite of your current babies (though I think all of them are wonderful); I am convinced she will prosper and be an exceptionally beautiful adult. You have given her a great start on life.

 

Not my reindeer.. But an educational post... I for one loved seeing it... An X-ray of a reindeer hoof.
Unfortunately it showed a break (but the calf Alaska) should be fine.
When you see those solid hooves it is hard to believe that they have the carpels and metacarpels that we have..

On from this I have my own worries. Lexi broke her antler 4 weeks ago... It was still at bone marrow stage (ie hadn't hardened to bone). I was really worried but treated daily and all seemed fine until today... Now puss weeping out... Bathing with saline.. can no longer buy iodine and waiting to pick up antibiotics in morning.. My new vet doesn't seemed worried but I am... That bone marrow connects straight to brain...

 

That IS an amazing x-ray of the reindeer hoof. I for one had no idea what was inside one! I am SO sorry to hear about Lexi and her antler! Does this kind of thing happen often and do you think the antibiotics will do the trick? And if so how long might it take to heal? The poor baby and you must be a wreck!

 

Will keep fingers crossed that Lexi's antler heals up okay. Can your vet sell you "Betadine"? It's an iodine based solution used by hospitals and vets. Do you have a nurse friend that can get you some? It is sold "over the counter" here (or at least it was the last time I needed more). Or Nitrofurazone salve? I think you can't buy iodine because it is a poison in the strength you have gotten it previously.

 

Sand... I don't know as I have never had a broken antler this close to skull when still at bone marrow stage... I have had broken antlers before... either once they have hardened to bone (not a problem) or tips while growing and still had pulp centres but about 18 inches away from head. Lexi's break was scary from start as still pulpy bone marrow within 2" of skull... and that bone marrow is connected directly to brain tissue... She is eating and temp norm for now... But I am turning grey...

 

Well that is good news that she is eating and has a normal temp, prayers that she will be ok! And you will be ok too!

 

I do hope that Lexi will be OK and that the antibiotics will help. I am keeping my fingers crossed that all will be well.

 

New Vet (over phone) didn't seem worried...I hope/putting trust in him that all will be okay.. But just kind of wish my previous vet hadn't retired..

 

Hmm new vet (over the phone) and is there a reason they did not come to the farm to see her antler for him/her self? Is that how it is usually done and did your retired vet suggest this one? I would be worried too! Although I am sure the new vet is a fine one!

 

Have you asked your Alaska reindeer friends what they think? (Not sure I'd put my trust in this vet if they haven't given you a reason "why" they don't seem to be worried.)

 

Have already put out an SOS on "closed reindeer site" mostly Alaskan friends..
So far come back with Penstrep, which I have emailed vet to provide in morning and betadine (iodine based) which a nurse friend is dropping off first thing in morning... I'm working on everything... I think! Puss seeping out 1" above skull has had me rather twitchy.. but in herself she is, at the moment fine...

 

BohoKaren - Praying that Lexi's broken antler is not a problem....and that no infection sets in. It sounds as though you have all bases covered. Try to relax(I know...easier said...than done)...you have or are doing everything possible. You're such a great reindeer mum!

 

Thanks for the x-ray of the hoof; I had no idea that is how the foot was constructed. I always thought it was one solid hoof.

Praying for Lexie and an end to the infection, and for you to have a peaceful heart during this situation.

 

Well Lexi had it cleaned today with Betadine (have a lovely nurse friend who had some at home) - think it stung but at least it should have done a lot of good. I then dressed it in some fancy dressing with silver in it - meant to be good for drawing out infection. Amazingly dressing is still on 8 hours later - good girl. And she has had a long acting antibiotic. So fingers crossed.

Don't think she loves me quite as much now though.

 

So glad you have a nurse friend who could supply Betadine for you.

Will keep fingers crossed that this will take care of it. Don't worry, Lexi will still love you.

 

I am sure that Lexi will still love you and I am glad that you have such a good nurse friend. Am still keeping my fingers crossed for Lexi and you!

 

And so the fun begins!
Any new viewers, please don't worry, it is an annual natural occurrence and doesn't hurt when they strip out.


Freya's dressing is still intact - surprisingly.

 

Hard to believe he was a baby last year...

 

Oh Hector, you are all grown up....and about to embark....hum....into manhood(I didn't know how to phrase it?).
Isn't it Lexi who has the dressing....or did something happen to Freya that I don't know about?

 

Yes you are right Brooke, sorry typing fingers and brain not coordinated.. and Lexi still has her dressing on... amazing (it must be because she is a prissy missy). Freya's antler aren't big enough to break.. heehee.

Have uploaded a video of Hector's efforts to remove the rest of his velvet.. it's long but a few funny moments of him trying to eat the dangley bits.