The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Mei on February 01, 2014, 12:27:11 am
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Hello,
We have a small flock of pedigree Hampshire Downs. As in most flocks there is one "character" - a natural leader - who is a family favourite. Over the past day or two she has become 'depressed' - not as inquisitive as usual, often alone from the flock, showing all the signs of a depressed animal. The vet came out yesterday and drenched the ewes against worms and fluke and gave this particular ewe Pro Rumen. I know it is early days, but does any one have an advice/comments/tips? The ewe in question is 5 years old.
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Is she pregnant? Is she eating well? Have you checked her feet? Is she scouring? I'd be inclined to give her a shot of a/b - this is such a challenging Winter for livestock I'd plump for erring on the side of caution every time.
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Is she eating? How pregnant is she? Concerns would be metabolic disruptions or an infection in the womb or similar. You'll have checked she's not prolapsed?
Obviously if you think she has an infection you'll give antibiotics - maybe best to see which the vet thinks would be best.
If she's in late pregnancy, not eating and doesn't improve, I'd be giving her Twin Lamb Drench, I think, and watching like a hawk. Any sign of going down, Dunlops No6 (blue top) and vitamins.
I copied our vet's crib sheet for treating pregnancy metabolic problems here (http://www.accidentalsmallholder.net/forum/index.php?topic=12927.msg136877#msg136877)