Need Help with Sick Buck losing velvet

HuntsEndDeerRanch · Aug 11, 2011

We have a buck on our preserve that seems to be ill, but we aren't sure what the cause is, or what to do for him. He has always been very healthy, but the last trail camera photo we got of him, he is suddenly thin, and his velvet is peeling off even though the rack isn't done growing. The only thing we know that could be related is that about three weeks ago he got stuck in some mud and struggled for 1-2 minutes before freeing himself. Has anybody seen anything like this, or know what it might be. We don't see any injuries in the photos, and haven't been able to see him in person. We sure appreciate any advice.

CurtisLloyd · Aug 11, 2011

it's not shedding velvet I would be worrying about , it is a little early but not catastrophically... they shed when they are ready but environmental or physical reactions can effect the time they start. The buck being thin and losing condition would be my first worry, any chance on getting some meds into him?

HuntsEndDeerRanch · Aug 11, 2011

The losing the velvet early wouldn't bother me as much, except for that the beams look very rounded like they didn't finish growing. We can try to get meds into him, but would need to be something that can be darted. We were thinking of trying some draxxin in a dart. Not sure how it will work because he is not showing himself really, but might just need to spend a lot of time waiting. We have also been putting extra feed out in the area where we got the pictures so he doesn't have to go far to eat.

Wild Rivers Whitetails · Aug 11, 2011

He may have an antler infection. This happens when there is a tear in the velvet or they break a tine. Flies will get into the wound and lay eggs - then you have maggots. They work under the velvet feeding on the blood flow to new tissue. The velvet will become loose where this happens. The only thing you can do is dart him and get some antibiotic into him. Remove the infected area - that may mean sawing his antlers. If it isn't treated quickly the infection will spread and you will not save him.

Scott Heinrich · Aug 11, 2011

Not to worry......I had a buck with similar issues a couple of years ago. He did the same thing after a very stressful event in late summer. (he was caught in a fe=nce). He turned out to recover fully the following year with normal antler development.

Need Help with Sick Buck losing velvet

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