Author Topic: tail docking (Read 3142 times)

wellies · « **on:** March 11, 2012, 05:38:46 am »

morning everyone

Our little lamb was castrated and docked by band at two days old. The vet came out to help me do it, he did the castration and then he watched as I did the tail. Little chap was a little quiet for a few hours but is was soon bright and eating but he does have some swelling above the band on his tail. Is this something I should be worried about? Also he has some of the delightful rock hard faeces stuck to the base of his tail which I can't get off. It is not blocking his anus but I can't imagine it's very comfy. Any ideas how to get it off, I've tried warm soapy water, baby wipes and it's too close to the skin to be snipped off. Would really appreciate any help. Thanks guys

bazzais · « **Reply #1 on:** March 11, 2012, 07:32:29 am »

Its turns to like a crystal doesnt it! Harder than a diamond but stinky. Eventually the hair will grow and you'll be able to trim it off easier if stinky poo stops coming out and getting stuck that is. Warm soapy water does help soften it - never tried it but maybe some liquid paraffin? Be interesting to know if someone else has a solution.

The tail above the band is still alive so may swell slightly - but spray some iodine on it and make sure there is no poo round the band as is will eventually and is a 'wound' of sorts and needs to be clean.

If its becoming too swelled then you may need to contact the vet again who can give some anti-biotics.

Fleecewife · « **Reply #2 on:** March 11, 2012, 12:11:27 pm »

Watch for infection where the tail is swollen - if it is warmer to touch than the surrounding skin then you need antibiotics. Are you sure the bulge is not made up of wool? It's years since we last docked a tail and I don't remember any problems.

Getting those rocks off the tail can be difficult. My OH has been seen using daggers or foot shears to cut through the rock itself, snipping off pieces until it's mostly gone. Or sometimes you can crush it in your hand, whilst avoiding the tail. We have tried vaseline to prevent the rocks from building up again but without much success. They are a particular problem with Soays of all ages - tiny tail but just as much s#!*

Our dogs are in seventh heaven if they get one of those lovely lumps of solid poop to munch on