The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Orinoco on April 24, 2018, 08:12:40 am

Title: Sheep kneeling to eat
Post by: Orinoco on April 24, 2018, 08:12:40 am

Hi

We have just got 2 new sheep and 1 has a slight limp and kneels to eat. The vet has given us an anti inflammatory to try but I wondered if any one had any ideas.

He seems fine other than this.

Thanks

(They are 10 month old Swiss Valias)

Title: Re: Sheep kneeling to eat
Post by: SallyN on April 24, 2018, 08:33:06 am

Have you turned them and had a look at the lame foot? Might be something obvious you can see? And it might be an idea to go back to the previous owner too, in case they know of a recent accident which might have bruised the foot for example.

I would be worried about footrot as they are imported - did the vet look at this as a possibility? might be an idea to quarantine them from the rest of the flock for a while?

Title: Re: Sheep kneeling to eat
Post by: Marches Farmer on April 24, 2018, 08:53:57 am

It will likely be a problem with one or both of the front feet.  Have you washed off all the feet thoroughly to see if there's any CODD, footrot, a stone, scald, etc.?

Title: Re: Sheep kneeling to eat
Post by: bj_cardiff on April 24, 2018, 09:30:11 am

They kneel to take the weight off a sore foot. It could be in the leg/shoulder, but in my experience its usually the foot. Have a good look between the cleets and see if there's any swelling, raw looking skin on nasty smell. If yes, then an antibiotic spray should work.

Title: Re: Sheep kneeling to eat
Post by: Sbom on April 24, 2018, 11:53:06 am

Was it lame before you had it? Or something that’s developed since?