The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: MelRice on January 14, 2014, 09:27:56 am

Title: Star gazing
Post by: MelRice on January 14, 2014, 09:27:56 am
I think thats what she is doing. She was fine last night but this morning she is standing with her head raised, and panting a bit, She was a bit wobbly walking round her little stable too. What do I do?
Title: Re: Star gazing
Post by: Yeoman on January 14, 2014, 09:36:01 am
Get your lambing gear ready!
Title: Re: Star gazing
Post by: MelRice on January 14, 2014, 10:21:34 am
Oh good, Thanks. Never seen this stage before, always found lamb in the morning.....(delivered by the stork)
Title: Re: Star gazing
Post by: fsmnutter on January 14, 2014, 10:25:09 am
What stage of pregnancy is she?
There are a number of metabolic diseases that can cause them to be a bit wobbly, or she could be starting to lamb if she's due.
CCN is a big one, which is cerebro-cortical necrosis, where a lack of vitamin B1 causes the brain to be starved of sugars, and goes a bit wobbly - typically characterised by stargazing behaviour, blindness, circling and wobbliness. Vitamin B1 injections can be obtained from your vet quite cheaply, and can help all but the most severe cases, although sometimes you need several injections.
If close to lambing, things like ketosis, or twin lamb disease, where the body in general doesn't have enough energy can cause them to be wobbly and confused. Twin lamb drench provides vitamins and energy, and can be obtained from your vet, or often your feed store/agricultural merchant.
If she doesn't improve, or goes downhill, one of these treatments, or a call to your vet may be necessary
Hope that helps
Title: Re: Star gazing
Post by: Foobar on January 14, 2014, 10:38:01 am
Wobbly would make me worry.
Does it actually look like the beginning of labour - i.e. restlessness, lots of sitting down, possibly star gazing, and getting up again?  If not, if it looks more like she's not feeling well then i'd be worrying about those things fsmnutter has said, and acting accordingly.
Title: Re: Star gazing
Post by: MelRice on January 15, 2014, 06:07:54 pm
It was fatal in the end.....I didnt quite get the German name for the cause but she had to go and Im waiting for the dead stock people to come and get her.....They have an animal insurance thing here thats compulsory but I do get dead stock collected for less than 2 euros!
Title: Re: Star gazing
Post by: shygirl on January 15, 2014, 06:11:51 pm
Only just seen this thread but yes stargazing is a big concern.
Sorry for your loss. Did she die or was she pts?
Title: Re: Star gazing
Post by: MelRice on January 16, 2014, 10:09:12 pm
No she was killed by the butcher...according to all the rules.