The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: tommytink on August 12, 2020, 11:31:23 am

Title: Excess salivation/foaming
Post by: tommytink on August 12, 2020, 11:31:23 am
I have a five month old lamb that I’ve noticed is rather foamy at the mouth when he’s chewing. None of the others are. I’ve seen him eating and bringing up cud and chewing. Could it be the extra warm, muggy weather we’re having? I have seen lambs proper dribbling saliva out of their mouths before but seemingly with no ill effects. This one seems a bit lethargic, but again they all seem a bit done in with the heat. The froth is a greeny colour, with extremely small pieces of grass in it. Prob what I’d expect it to look like after regurgitation. He’s not laid on his side, or grinding his teeth and he’s breathing is okay. I first noticed it on checking them last night.
Title: Re: Excess salivation/foaming
Post by: twizzel on August 12, 2020, 12:28:20 pm
Sounds like he’s spilling his cud. If that’s the cause it can cause loss of condition so best to get him gone. Could always get the vet to check he doesn’t have any teeth problems though.
Title: Re: Excess salivation/foaming
Post by: tommytink on August 12, 2020, 02:01:06 pm
Ah okay, thanks for that. Looked it up and it does sound like that. Could it be caused by a trauma to the mouth as well? Would it be too early for his adult teeth to be coming through?
Title: Re: Excess salivation/foaming
Post by: twizzel on August 12, 2020, 04:02:35 pm
Not sure, I’ve never had it in any sheep or lambs here but from what I’ve read it can be genetic or could just be one of those things  :gloomy:  you could always get the vet to look though, just to rule out teeth problems Or trauma etc