The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: countrygirlatheart on March 11, 2010, 08:03:56 pm

Title: lamb with funny tongue
Post by: countrygirlatheart on March 11, 2010, 08:03:56 pm

I have a ewe lamb - now 6 days old           the background is that I'm a novice and she was lambed by the vet - from a gimmer - her feet were forward but her head was 'stuck' with tongue protruding and a little swollen and the vet managed to pull her out (he did say the ewe was very tight - and she was very vocal when he was pulling the lamb out!)  she didn't breathe immediately - maybe 15 seconds to start      the lamb is obviously feeding as she's still here at 6 days, but she's not 'strong' and I noticed that she often has a small part of her tongue sticking out of the front of her mouth (just a little bit) and sometimes its like she's licking her nose a bit   (no slavering or dribbling tho)

anyone have experience of this?     could it be something temporary related to her being born?   

don't suppose there's much I can do but was just wondering if anyone can give me the benefit of their experience

thanks

Title: Re: lamb with funny tongue
Post by: Canadian Sheepfarmer on March 12, 2010, 02:47:33 pm

I have seen this a few times, nothing to worry about in my experience, it is just a result of a hard pull. It will grow out of it in time probably when it starts grazing.

Title: Re: lamb with funny tongue
Post by: countrygirlatheart on March 12, 2010, 07:11:06 pm

Hi CanadianSheepFarmer

great to get your reassuring reply - many thanks

as the weather was good today and the lamb is a week old she was let outside with her mum for the first time     she seemed fine and was nibbling at the grass      hopefully all will be well - she's a smart little lamb

Title: Re: lamb with funny tongue
Post by: jembo on March 12, 2010, 09:04:16 pm

Arnica for both the ewe and lamb will work wonders.

Title: Re: lamb with funny tongue
Post by: countrygirlatheart on March 12, 2010, 09:13:34 pm

hi jembo      thanks for the reply

how do you administer the arnica and how much do you give?   

Title: Re: lamb with funny tongue
Post by: jembo on March 18, 2010, 06:46:57 pm

Sorry for late reply!

I just use the pills (very small) and give 2 pills to both ewe and lamb about 3 or 4 times a day until any swelling goes down. You have to try and administer the pills without touching them, if you rub gently under the chin they do swallow.