The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: Hillview Farm on March 31, 2015, 07:05:01 am

Title: two week old lamb suddenly weak in legs and lethargic
Post by: Hillview Farm on March 31, 2015, 07:05:01 am

A few days ago I saw a lamb off colour slightly breathing hard. Thought it was the start of pneumonia so jabbed with an antibiotic. Improved so was happy. Yesterday lethargic, tail clamped and back legs slightly wobbly so another jab.

This morning I found it laid out on her side. Legs very odd, fronts are very underneath and knuckling over slightly when trying to walk and back legs very wide set a bit like John Wayne!

Temp is 40.2.

Any ideas? What can I do?  Will call the vet when they open!

Title: Re: two week old lamb suddenly weak in legs and lethargic
Post by: Dogwalker on March 31, 2015, 08:16:11 am

Has she been feeding ok?

Title: Re: two week old lamb suddenly weak in legs and lethargic
Post by: Hillview Farm on March 31, 2015, 08:26:25 am

Yes. Ewe had twins but not a lot of milk so I took the biggest off. She was full of beans before hand

Title: Re: two week old lamb suddenly weak in legs and lethargic
Post by: Dogwalker on March 31, 2015, 08:31:18 am

Odd. 

sorry no helpful suggestions. expect omeone more experienced will be along shortly.

Title: Re: two week old lamb suddenly weak in legs and lethargic
Post by: Hillview Farm on March 31, 2015, 09:41:21 am

Spoken to the vet and she suspects it's an odd form of joint ill.

Temp is a little high so long course of antibiotics and stomach tubing to keep fluids up

Title: Re: two week old lamb suddenly weak in legs and lethargic
Post by: Hellybee on March 31, 2015, 10:58:33 am

Will she take bottle at all?  We had one case three years ago and we were prescribed Synolux for it.   

Title: Re: two week old lamb suddenly weak in legs and lethargic
Post by: Hillview Farm on March 31, 2015, 02:45:24 pm

OH just went up and gave her a bottle which she drunk 300 ml.

Perhaps she has been lethargic due to dehydration.

Title: Re: two week old lamb suddenly weak in legs and lethargic
Post by: Hellybee on April 01, 2015, 03:15:57 pm

Maybe so, do a skin pinch test.  Also how is her stance now, is she hunched at all or straight though the spine?


Like I've said on another thread a good stretch after nap time is a good thing to see, shows lamb is rested and comfortable.