My pregnant cow has swollen legs and can't walk. What should I do?

I feel like it is unlikely that she is going into labor. Dragging the back legs can be a sign of neurologic disease. Polio or pregnancy toxemia are possible, but she needs to be examined by a vet to determine if this is the case and to receive appropriate treatment. A swollen anus could be due to inflammation or a prolapse secondary to straining. It, too, should be examined by a vet.

She may have had an injury that happened during calving, inflammation, insect bites, hormonal problems. You should have a veterinarian examine her, as she will need a vaginal exam, he needs to check whether the uterus has involuted properly or has fluid in it or a mummified fietus (even if she gave birth to a calf two months ago), take her temperature and check her udder for mastitis. Her vulva looks like there is some inflammation or infection going on.

Since she is improving the prognosis is very guarded. It will take a few months for the nerve to recuperate and function to be restored, however there is no guarantee. It may be more economical to fatten the calf and have her slaughtered at home. It will not be possible to transport her to a slaughter house due to the lameness. You should have your veterinarian examine the leg, as it is not possible to assess the severity of the damage without an actual hands-on exam. Your veterinarian can also give your calf Vit.B injections which may aid in nerve repair. The swelling may point to a fracture or severe muscle damage in addition to the nerve damage.

Oh my. Poor girl. : ( I would suggest taking Ramu in to your vet right away. THis looks like possible edema which could indicate an internal problem such as a lymphatic drainage issue or even underlying heart disease. She needs a full evaluation and treatment through your vet. You will have to likely carry her to your car and then notify the vet once you get to the clinic so that they can assist you with getting her in to the hospital on a stretcher. I hope that your fur baby Ramu is able to make a full and speedy recovery. Best wishes and take care!

You can find significant fluid retention in dogs near birthing time. It is similar to the swelling you see in human's feet. If she seems to be unwell or off form I would consider a vet visit as a precaution to check her hear and blood pressure. Most likely it is just a bit of retention due to the pressure on her lymphatic system.

283 days is the typical gestation length for a cow, so if she is close to her due date and off her feed it may be that she is going into labor. You may notice strange behavior, swelling of the vulva, an increased amount of milk in her udders, and the beginning of discharge. However, if she seems in great distress, doesn't go into labor and produce a calf, or seems to be in labor and can't pass the calf, it would be best to seek veterinary care in person immediately as the calf may be stuck and need to be pulled, or there may be an underlying illness causing issue.

Without seeing Milly in person, I can't say if her leg can be fixed in any way. Surgery may be an option for her, but her vet has to evaluate if that can be done. I suppose the other option would be to put her to sleep if this can't be fixed, as she cannot stay in this condition.