The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Gunestone on May 30, 2018, 05:09:17 pm

Title: Absesses on ewe
Post by: Gunestone on May 30, 2018, 05:09:17 pm

Hi everyone. O
One of our ewes has an abscess on her shoulder and another on her neck just below her ear. I first noticed the one on her shoulder when she was brought in for lambing and presumed it was from the heptivac jab a few weeks earlier so I squeezed it and a little pus came out and then I put some spray on it. However she was shorn yesterday and I noticed the other one below her ear. In all other respects she is perfectly healthy, any ideas? Should we be doing anything about them or just keep an eye on them?

Title: Re: Absesses on ewe
Post by: Fleecewife on May 30, 2018, 05:21:26 pm

If the discharge from the abscess was thick then it could be caseous lymphadenitis which is potentially a killer.  Equally it could be from her Heptavac, or from thorns or similar.  The only way to tell is to pop her down to the vet where they can take a swab, then they will know for sure.

Title: Re: Absesses on ewe
Post by: shep53 on May 30, 2018, 08:02:50 pm

Agree with Fleecewife  get vet to have a look for CLA , not good  :(

Title: Re: Absesses on ewe
Post by: Gunestone on May 31, 2018, 08:57:43 am

Thanks, I'll get the vet to look at her. If it is CLA what would you do, treat or cull? Also what about her lamb, is she likely to have it? Typically she has a wonderful ewe lamb who we were hoping to keep. What about the others, how likely are they to get it?

Title: Re: Absesses on ewe
Post by: shep53 on May 31, 2018, 12:17:39 pm

Get her tested first and then worry about what to do . All the information is on google

Title: Re: Absesses on ewe
Post by: Gunestone on June 23, 2018, 12:27:56 pm

Finally got the test results back and she is clear! What a relief :sunshine: