The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: raygezer on February 21, 2013, 05:57:09 pm

Title: ewe out of salts
Post by: raygezer on February 21, 2013, 05:57:09 pm
Hi folks in need of a answer before i call a vet.tonite got my girls in fields to wet for them to stay out all the time they all about to lamb in the next two weeks one of the was very quite on the way back to the barn didnt eat just went to a corner and laid down ears forward eyes closed very quite not like her at all.any ideas please.
Title: Re: ewe out of salts
Post by: colliewoman on February 21, 2013, 06:11:01 pm
Twin lamb disease? Does her breath smell?
I would chat to the vet ASAP personally  :fc:
Title: Re: ewe out of salts
Post by: Marches Farmer on February 21, 2013, 06:11:13 pm
Do you know the exact date she's due?  None of mine have lambed more than 3 days early but in 2011 they all lambed around 9 days late (no idea why but it was a terribly cold Winter here).  She may have begun lambing but smell for ketones on her breath (pear drop smell) and watch for sitting like a dog in case of twin lamb disease. Your vet will be able to identify either of these possibilities with lightning speed!
Title: Re: ewe out of salts
Post by: fifixx on February 21, 2013, 06:11:49 pm
Twin lamb or needs calcium?  Twin lamb - causes blindness so try waving hand in front of eyes.  Calcium deficiency - wobbly, dopey
Title: Re: ewe out of salts
Post by: lachlanandmarcus on February 21, 2013, 06:12:01 pm
I think you are right to get the vet. Could be twin lamb disease in which case she will need injections, so unless you have calciject on the premises the vet would be needed anyway.
Title: Re: ewe out of salts
Post by: SallyintNorth on February 21, 2013, 06:25:13 pm
Can't really do any harm with a twin lamb drench, but if you get the vet wait and see what he/she says.
Title: Re: ewe out of salts
Post by: Anke on February 21, 2013, 06:27:32 pm
I would have thought a Calciject injection and twin lamb drench will not do any harm while waiting for the vet...
Title: Re: ewe out of salts
Post by: SallyintNorth on February 21, 2013, 06:29:13 pm
Calcijet can kill if she's not short of calcium.
Title: Re: ewe out of salts
Post by: raygezer on February 21, 2013, 06:50:47 pm
Hopefully i panicked she is up and eatin there is no smell other than the normal smell i will still be keeping my eye on her through the nite :fc: i love this time of year but its worse than having kids im sure i age about ten years when lambin comes
thanx for all the replies :excited:
Title: Re: ewe out of salts
Post by: Anke on February 21, 2013, 08:22:57 pm
Calcijet can kill if she's not short of calcium.

Well I have so far gone by Tim Tyne's recommendation - inject Calciject and drench with Twin lamb and then worry about your diagnosis.... Has worked for me so far.
Title: Re: ewe out of salts
Post by: shep53 on February 22, 2013, 07:19:49 pm
This thread is interesting since the only warnings iv'e read or heard say that it (calcium borogluconate )is very safe except if you give big dose's on say a daily basis, then the kidney's will fail or if you give it into a vein ( normally cattle ) not warmed and you push it in too quickly ( normally use a butterfly valve and gravity ) then it can kill . I have spoken  to two vets and the manufacture  ( norbrook ) and they have confirmed the above , and that a calcium dose  will not harm at recommended rates .                                     The product is recommended for use i cases of      Hypocalcaemia      Hypomagesaemia                                 Pregnancy Toxaemia       Cervixal Prolapse      Ringwomb     .  Hope this is ok