The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: OutdoorseaGem on September 07, 2018, 08:36:54 pm
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Hi everyone,
We've had 3 pregnant ewes dropped off this week and this evening I've been in and one of the ewes is holding her right back leg in the air, I've tried to have a look and feel down the leg and she keeps snatching it away when I press on it, I can't initially see anything in her hoof.
Glad she is actually the tamest out of all 3 but it's still early days and they're still getting used to me, lambs aren't due until early December.
Any advice would be greatfully received,
Gemma
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Best to get vet out , she may have damaged something in the move or a recognised foot infection and treatment is different
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How long have you had her and I assume she's been fine until today?
I'd leave it for 24-48hrs and see if there is any change, if there isn't I'd catch her and have a really good look. As she's only 2 months pregnant I wouldn't have any hesitation about tipping her over.
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If you have a second person to help, it may be easiest to catch her, put a rope halter on her and tie her up with one person holding her at the head end to keep her steady (but the rope halter is an additional measure and helps if you have to do it on your own) then have a good look by lifting her leg rather than turning her onto her bum. It could be many things though - from foot rot/scald to laminitis, or a more serious broken bone/strained leg from the move… Scald is quite possible if she has moved onto a different holding - how tall is your grass? I would get a vet to have a look at it, especially if you are fairly new to sheep.
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One wee tip - if you try to look at her when she's standing up, she'll kick less if you can support her weight with your knee before you pick up that foot. It's easier said than done, and easier done than explained of course, but it might be worth a try.