The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Jukes Mum on May 19, 2014, 11:04:32 am

Title: Bloat? Help!
Post by: Jukes Mum on May 19, 2014, 11:04:32 am
I have just given my lambs their bottle and the boy is acting really strange. He was bleating and stretching out and his back legs looked a bit wobbly. Just really odd behaviour. Felt his tummy and it is not hard.
Left him half an hour and went back out and his 'sister' came running over as usual but he did not get up and I had to walk over to him. He stayed down while a gave him a tummy rub. He managed one burp. I lifted him to his feet but he's down again now. He's a big strong chappy about 7/8 weeks.
I have looked at all of the threads on here and found some fab advice about oil, water and bicarb which I am going to try. My question is- can I just put this in his bottle, or does it need to be syringed into his mouth or does he need a tube into his tummy? I have not tubed before and would rather not, but will do if I need to. If he does need a tube, the vets is a 30 min drive away and I'll send my OH, but in the meantime, what should I do? Leave him be, walk him, rub his tummy?
Title: Re: Bloat? Help!
Post by: Me on May 19, 2014, 11:24:02 am
Leave him be. Don't tip anything in. Phone your vet for advice.
Title: Re: Bloat? Help!
Post by: Foobar on May 19, 2014, 11:24:55 am
Does his belly actually look bloated?
If so, syringe the water/oil/bicarb mix it into his mouth.
Massage his belly in a circular motion, try to keep him on his feet, walking around if possible.  All these things will help him burp/fart it out.  Keep at it for half an hour or so.
Title: Re: Bloat? Help!
Post by: Jukes Mum on May 19, 2014, 11:50:26 am
yes a bit on his left side. I will keep walking/ massaging!
Title: Re: Bloat? Help!
Post by: SallyintNorth on May 19, 2014, 12:27:24 pm
What is making you think it's bloat if his tummy isn't swollen/hard?

If it is bloat, if he'll do sucky-on-your-finger you can probably get him to drink the concoction, which will help him.  If he won't suck it would be better to tube than add to his woes by getting the concoction in his lungs!

Massage his tummy and keep him upright will help too - if it is bloat.

Title: Re: Bloat? Help!
Post by: Jukes Mum on May 19, 2014, 01:20:26 pm
OK, maybe I am just an over worried sheep mum  ;) I have rubbed his tummy an he did a couple of epic burps and now is completely back to normal! :relief:
 If he sucked some air in with his bottle could he have had trapped wind?
I assume that as he is OK now, I don't need to feed him this concoction?
Title: Re: Bloat? Help!
Post by: shygirl on May 19, 2014, 01:23:23 pm
btw you can maybe buy tubes at your farm supplies store.
Title: Re: Bloat? Help!
Post by: SallyintNorth on May 19, 2014, 01:46:04 pm
Good news. Yes he sounds fine now, no need for bloat concoction.  I'm glad you shared - I'm sitting here with a big grin on my face.  ;)
Title: Re: Bloat? Help!
Post by: Jukes Mum on May 19, 2014, 02:33:27 pm
Thanks guys! No doubt I'll be back for your fantastic advice again!
Title: Re: Bloat? Help!
Post by: sarahdean_66 on May 19, 2014, 02:54:54 pm
You can also use infacol on sheep if nec.