The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Pedwardine on April 05, 2013, 09:22:15 am

Title: Ketosis
Post by: Pedwardine on April 05, 2013, 09:22:15 am

Are there alot of cases about this year? My friend Julie had a Shetland go irretrievably down over last two days but got her babies out by C Section. I've got Darcie, my Gotland, who's almost blind wih it and due any moment. Waiting on vet to advise what we should do when her time comes as she can't get up easily so can't see them suckling if she indeed survives. There must be other ewes as well as us. How do you deal with it best for mum and lambs?

Title: Re: Ketosis
Post by: Marches Farmer on April 05, 2013, 10:53:51 am

Only seen this once, when one of ours had an unseen abscess that caused her distress, despite being in good condition.  Our neighbour sees more of it than we do as he lambs out at a higher altitude and generally keeps them in the shed and well fed until properly mothered up then puts them out in a small, well fenced paddock where the lambs can easily find their dam, even if she can't see them. 

Title: Re: Ketosis
Post by: colliewoman on April 05, 2013, 10:59:51 am

Quote from: Pedwardine on April 05, 2013, 09:22:15 am

Are there alot of cases about this year? My friend Julie had a Shetland go irretrievably down over last two days but got her babies out by C Section. I've got Darcie, my Gotland, who's almost blind wih it and due any moment. Waiting on vet to advise what we should do when her time comes as she can't get up easily so can't see them suckling if she indeed survives. There must be other ewes as well as us. How do you deal with it best for mum and lambs?

 :hug: :hug: :hug:
Hope she does alright, if penned she should still be able to mother her babbies ok. Is it worth inducing her to keep the ewe safe? I know there is a risk of losing lambs, but prognosis for the ewe is higher as soon as no lamb burden apparently :-\

Title: Re: Ketosis
Post by: Pedwardine on April 05, 2013, 11:54:05 am

Have induced her this morning resulting in her standing for a few minutes, the first time in days. Feel a little hopeful now.

Title: Re: Ketosis
Post by: supplies for smallholders on April 05, 2013, 07:48:16 pm

There are a couple of dDrenches on the market especiall for ketosis or Pregnancy Toxemia in sheep - may be worth looking into....

Title: Re: Ketosis
Post by: Pedwardine on April 06, 2013, 09:22:51 am

Hi SFS, Have an order in with you as it happens  ;D
Yes we've tried both Liquid Life Aid and Multilamb Rapid. We're just on MLR once/twice daily now.