The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Bramblecot on March 31, 2016, 07:30:24 pm
-
A Ryeland x Shetland ewe in good condition 3 - 3.5 and apparently well started behaving oddly this afternoon. I thought she was preparing to lamb - she is due either today or in 17 days time as the ram marked her twice.
She has lambed without aid 3 times before, twins in each case, and no problems. She took herself off to a quiet corner and laid down. I fed her a little coarse mix about 4 pm but she would not touch hay. Then she started twitching around her face and grinding her teeth for about 5 minutes. After 20 mins she started twitching again and there was a small amount of foam around her mouth.
I have moved her to a field shelter, given 2 doses of glycol (Nettles TLD) and injected 60 mls of calcijet 6 in several sites around neck, back and legs.
She is now quiet, has stopped twitching but refuses all food and drink. I will obviously be watching her closely and will give another dose of TLD drench. Anything else I can do for her?
-
Ivy.
Cut a bough and put it in front of her. It is the miracle feed for sheep. :fc:
-
Have you looked at her back end she may be trying to lamb and having a problem
-
Just read this Bramblecot..... no experience of TLD, so of no use to you at all, but wishing you and ewe all the best... She has a very loving and attentive shepherdess in attendance...
Big hugs.... :hug:
-
If it is TLD and you have caught it in time then keep up with the drench or get the vet in if she goes down hill as the only way sometimes is to get the lambs out as they wont be pulling on the ewes reserves so much. Fingers crossed it isn't TLD as its horrible if you haven't caught it in time.
-
Is her vulva large and soft? Is her udder full? If so I'd suspect a malpresented lamb. Grinding teeth indicates great pain and if she's stopped pushing the lamb could well be stuck. Investigate now, as the lamb will be very distressed.
-
Thanks for all the tips and sorry I have not updated this - the internet has been down here >:( .
Checked and definitely not ready to lamb. Over the last few days she has been given a whole bottle of twin lamb drench and most of a bottle of calcijet. Yesterday she started nibbling tiny pieces of willow and a few handfuls of coarse mix, and had a long drink of water :relief: . I have let her out of the field shelter and she spent the afternoon with her chums enjoying the sun. She also butted away a lamb that tried to take liberties.
So, not out of the woods yet, but looking and behaving as if nothing had ever been wrong ::) . :fc: :fc: :fc:
-
Well done you, sounds like you caught it in time, keep on top of getting right nutrients into her to keep her going till she lambs as they will be drawing on her over the next couple of weeks till she lambs! ????????