[Judbury Cal]

Whilst shearing the sheep, I found a large swelling on the ram's neck. The ram is quite old (he had no tags when we got him last year, but is probably at least 8 years old). He has a few ongoing health problems, and is very lethargic. I tried to drain the swelling, but with no luck. Does anyone have any idea what it might be, and any cures or effects?

[Anke]

Abcess from either vaccination or intramuscular injection of antibiotic at some point in the last year or two. These can take a long time to drain (or never). Given his age I would leave it well alone.


If the swelling is under his jaw (where the jaw bone meets the neck) it may be CLA - which at his age would be reason to cull without draining (the puss from CLA is highly infectious).


So I would take a couple more pictures to show position of the lump, and speak to the vet (and send him the photos if in doubt).


You are shearing in January? Are you in the UK?

[Judbury Cal]

I don't expect that he'll last more than a year or so, he's pretty dothery. I don't have any idea if the previos owner had him vaccinated, but I doubt it. they didnt even keep his hooves trimmed.

I meant to post a location picture, but I got the wrong photo, got the same one twice. I'll post it below.

we're not in the UK, we're in tasmania. I usually shear a lot earlier, with my father, but he got crook, and we kept putting it off, hoping he'd get better.

[Anke]

Is it just above his shoulder blades - difficult to see. If yes, then really I would just leave it, and if it bursts open spray with antibiotic spray to keep dry.

[Judbury Cal]

it's just at the base of the neck, just forward of the shoulderblades. my camera quality is hopeless. leaving it sounds like the best plan, I'm only hoping that it wont stop him *working*

[shep53]

Are you saying that you wish to use a ram for breeding that you describe as " pretty dothery and very lethargic  , probably wont last a year  with ongoing health problems " plus from the picture  he is fairly lean as i can see his spine    is he even fertile

[Judbury Cal]

Yes. I do intend to use him for breeding. He's fat as butter, that's just the backline blow from my dodgy blade shearing. He is fertile, or has been up until this point. There are no saleyards around here, and very few studs. You can either spend $600 odd, and ship one down from the north, or do what you can with what you have.