Author Topic: problems with ring castration (Read 3733 times)

Orinoco · « **on:** April 16, 2014, 08:23:32 am »

Hi

Im probably worrying about nothing but thought it worth asking.

I took my ram lamb to the vet yesterday for her to do the rubber ring castration (never done before), and I am just a tad concerned that it appears to be dragging one leg when trying to walk around.

Should I be concerned?

Ta

K

Slimjim · « **Reply #1 on:** April 16, 2014, 08:35:43 am »

Crossing my legs as I write this, but if you witnessed the event, and it went ok, I have found some lambs feel the discomfort more than others. I would wait a day then if he doesn't improve ring the vet. I am rubbish at this procedure so get my neighbour to do it. Could I ask how much the vet charged please? PM me if you like.

trish.farm · « **Reply #2 on:** April 16, 2014, 05:07:07 pm »

There is a nerve that runs very close to where the bands go which can get caught by the band when castrating. Lamb will be fine in a few days. xx

Foobar · « **Reply #3 on:** April 16, 2014, 05:25:29 pm »

If in doubt, ring your vet and ask them. They may prefer to remove the band and put a new one on.

shep53 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 16, 2014, 05:38:28 pm »

Am ringing circa 50 lambs per day and none now or ever have had a leg problem after, so something is wrong ??

shygirl · « **Reply #5 on:** April 16, 2014, 05:40:57 pm »

its never happened to us so speak to the vet. there are urinary tubes etc that can get caught, so it worth checking.

Womble · « **Reply #6 on:** April 16, 2014, 10:04:47 pm »

Frankly just reading this thread is making ME cross my legs!!

Orinoco · « **Reply #7 on:** April 20, 2014, 08:26:56 am »

Hi

After a couple of days he seemed back to normal, but i was worried that the vet had caught something as he's a miniature sheep which must make it harder.

SallyintNorth · « **Reply #8 on:** April 20, 2014, 09:56:29 am »

Oh! Now you've said he's a mini... I would have a look see and check that neither testicle is either caught in the band, or has slipped right back through. If it's important he isn't a rig (with an internal testicle - which, beware, can start to work in a very cold winter - ask me how I know

), then take him back to the vet for a double check.

Quote from: shep53 on April 16, 2014, 05:38:28 pm

Am ringing circa 50 lambs per day and none now or ever have had a leg problem after, so something is wrong ??

Agree. Up to 10 mins discomfort is not unusual; very rarely up to 30 minutes. More than that and I would investigate because something is not right.

I castrate a lot of lambs but haven't yet ringed my Shetland x boys as their wee nuts are only every so slightly larger than the hole in the centre of the ring! I am resigned to possibly having to pay the vet to castrate them later on, because by the time their nuts are large enough I won't be able to catch them! lol

The only one I've felt happy to ring is the BFL x Shetland - he's about the same size as he'd be if his mum was a Swaledale. The others, which are more than 50% Shetland and mostly 75%+ primitive / small breeds - no chance!