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My cow fell weeks ago and can't get up. What should I do to help her?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Other | Unknown - Other | Female | unspayed | 400 lbs

I have a cow hat fell a couple of weeks ago and she can’t get up she wants to though; her front legs go underneath her as if she can’t use them when she tries to stand. How do I treat that?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Linda G,  MS, DVM

Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 3rd, 2018

Hello. If she has been down for several weeks, it is going to be very tough to get her back up. If she slipped on ice or snow, she may have suffered catastrophic nerve damage, & the longer she is down the more severe the nerve damage will be. The same goes for if she fractured something in her leg or shoulder. Hopefully, you have had your vet out & started her on a course of anti-inflammatory medications. If no fractures were found, you could try assisting her up in a sling, or at the very least you have her propped up with hay bales. Make sure she is shifted off her downside every 4-6 hours to prevent pressure necrosis. All you can do is keep working with her unless you can transport her to a major facility ( university veterinary center ) that can do the specialized diagnostics, surgery & rehabilitation that she may need. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
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