The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: GaddesdenGal on September 05, 2013, 06:39:31 am
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We are taking on two 10y/o Suffolk wethers, one of whom is extremely ill and the other is still bright and sprightly. The sprightlier of the two has a large, what I can only describe as a boil on his back hoof. The previous owners helper tells me that he used to get this a lot (it's now about the size of a very small satsuma) and that the owners late wife would just squeeze it out like toothpaste through the gland.
I dutifully tried this last night but could only get a tiny ammount of sebum out no matter how hard I squeezed. The hand was saying it just used to just gush out but I couldn't do it - any suggestions please?
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You probably don't want to hear this bit of advice;
Don't take on sick sheep---they will cause you money and time and most likely end up with the ram suffering too
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You probably don't want to hear this bit of advice;
Don't take on sick sheep---they will cause you money and time and most likely end up with the ram suffering too
Ditto.
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Aye, well what's done is done and the old owner is still paying the fees so I'm only there as far as duty of care
Any PRACTICAL advice for relieving the swelling?
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You could try treatments for boils such as applying a poultice. Google for various rememdies.
Squeezing hard when it's not ready to come out may actually push infection into the body
Get a vet out; he may lance it, but i wouldn't suggest that you try.
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Thank you - I'll get the vet to take a look.