The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Cuddles on October 04, 2016, 01:19:08 pm

Title: I found a lump
Post by: Cuddles on October 04, 2016, 01:19:08 pm

Hi All,

Overly dramatic title I know but while you're here... I'm looking for some advice, I noticed a tuft of loose fleece on one of my ewes necks last night which came away in my hand.  There is a fluid filled lump where the fleece has come away, probably about the size of 20p.  Should I be worried?
I missed their heptivac booster earlier in the spring/summer so they've only recently had their second dose of the repeat treatment.  I know this can cause a lump but could it also cause the fleece to come away?  I honestly couldnt say this was exactly where I injected them, but its roughly in the same area :)

I've also had a good look around her and I cant see any maggots/broken skin or smell anything funky so I dont think its fly strike but I thought I'd ask those with a bit more experience than me.

Could it have been a crow or one of the other sheep pulling at the fleece?

Thanks,
Cuddles

Title: Re: I found a lump
Post by: Marches Farmer on October 04, 2016, 04:05:45 pm

Some vaccines have an oily adjuvant which can cause irritation, particularly in younger sheep.  Is it on her neck?  If it's below her ear and near the hinge of her jaw I'd consider CLA and speak to a vet.

Title: Re: I found a lump
Post by: pharnorth on October 04, 2016, 06:38:12 pm

I suspect you are right and it is injection site or as Marches farmer advices, but just check again for fly strike. One of my ewes similarly had a lump on her neck, pretty well where I would have vaccinated. This was in June about 4 months later so I was somewhat surprised. Checked agin next day and she was covered in maggots. It may be it was a maggot that caused the lump (but no sign of fly strike at the time) or a cyst that burst and caused the fly strike but the duration between spotting the lump and the maggot was just 24 hours.....

Title: Re: I found a lump
Post by: Marches Farmer on October 04, 2016, 07:13:13 pm

If conditions are right (humid, mostly) fly eggs can hatch a few hours after being laid.

Title: Re: I found a lump
Post by: Cuddles on October 05, 2016, 11:09:37 am

Thanks all, the lump isnt near her jaw or ear - its lower down on her neck towards the top of her shoulder.  I've had a good look through her fleece and I cant see any maggots or signs of fly strike but I'll be keeping an eye on her.  I've sent the vet a photo to see what he thinks, hopefully he doesnt think its anything serious as she seems fine and doesnt appear to be losing any condition.

Thanks again,
Cuddles