The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Fosterlambfarm on March 18, 2014, 11:40:57 pm

Title: foster lamb knee/leg problem
Post by: Fosterlambfarm on March 18, 2014, 11:40:57 pm
Iv got a young texel foster lamb among the others which was absolutely fine but developed a problem with its knees. Thought itwaa perhaps scald so trimmed its hoofs and sprayed but didnt do any good. Feeding absolutely great and brught eyed just struggling wuth its knees. Suggestions?
Title: Re: foster lamb knee/leg problem
Post by: SallyintNorth on March 19, 2014, 12:46:36 am
Can you define the problem a bit more? 

How old is the lamb?
Is it both knees?  (And I am assuming you mean the front legs?)
Is/are the joint(s) swollen?  Hot?

Any other info?
Title: Re: foster lamb knee/leg problem
Post by: Fosterlambfarm on March 19, 2014, 09:32:18 am
Both front legs knees seem a bit swollen. Ince its up walks very slow but struggles to get up itself
Title: Re: foster lamb knee/leg problem
Post by: Marches Farmer on March 19, 2014, 10:15:05 am
I suggest Joint Ill.  Speak to your vet about a/bs. 
Title: Re: foster lamb knee/leg problem
Post by: twizzel on March 19, 2014, 11:29:30 am
I was going to say joint ill too, we treat with 3 day course of pen&strep. Just make sure he's still drinking if he isn't moving around so much (more important if on an adlib feeder than bottle).
Title: Re: foster lamb knee/leg problem
Post by: SallyintNorth on March 19, 2014, 01:08:25 pm
It's odd for it to be the same in both knees if it's joint ill - IME it's usually one joint more than another.

However, if the joint is swollen and feels hot, then antibiotics are the first thing to try.  If no improvement over a 3 day course, or continuing to deteriorate after the second day, then off to the vet, it may need steroids or something.
Title: Re: foster lamb knee/leg problem
Post by: Me on March 19, 2014, 01:35:16 pm
No its perfectly normal for JI to be in more than one joint sadly
Title: Re: foster lamb knee/leg problem
Post by: Pipsa on March 19, 2014, 09:46:01 pm
Foster lamb I had last year had a knee/leg problem - she got better after getting some antibiotics. Good luck!