Author Topic: Sickly lamb advice please? (Read 3160 times)

twizzel · « **on:** May 20, 2012, 05:28:25 pm »

We have a 7 wk old lamb that is big and was doing very well until a couple of weeks ago when he got suspected pneumonia. Very rattly chest, runny nose, panting, rang vet and he dispensed a broad spectrum fast acting antibiotic for him and then enough for the others if they got it too, which they didn't. He picked up within a few hours and was fine.

They were weaned 10 days ago and are demolishing creep and hay like its going out of fashion. All drinking fine.

I've been away at a county show for the past 4 days, saw them this afternoon and he was panting again, looked tucked up, looked a bit bloated but not sure if that's because he was tucked up around his flanks, crusty eyes again and generally looked a bit bleugh... he's had another jab this afternoon but does anyone know what it could be? Could it be the pneumonia again? He is eating fine and the rest are very strong and fine too... any ideas?

jaykay · « **Reply #1 on:** May 20, 2012, 05:36:02 pm »

Yes, it could be pneumonia again. Sounds like you've done the right thing, jagging him. If you can get him in, a couple of days of TLC, some live yoghurt and maybe just hay and water depending on how the bloat seems could help.

twizzel · « **Reply #2 on:** May 20, 2012, 05:51:53 pm »

What does the live yoghurt do? As in low fat natural yoghurt you get in the big pots... how do you feed a lamb yoghurt?! Will go down and check on them later tonight, worried about the little man :/

jaykay · « **Reply #3 on:** May 20, 2012, 06:31:54 pm »

Live yoghurt puts some of the right type of bacteria back in the stomachs. If a sheep/goat has eaten too much grain or otherwise got bloat, the wrong type of bacteria multiply, producing acid and gas, making the animal very uncomfortable (can kill). Live yoghurt helps redress the balance. Also good if you've given antibiotics, thereby killing gut bacteria too.

Doesn't matter if it's low fat, just live. Some lambs will lick it off a spoon. If not, make it runny with water and syringe it in slowly, making sure he swallows not inhales it.

twizzel · « **Reply #4 on:** May 21, 2012, 10:06:57 am »

Brilliant thankyou. I've put him out this morning with the others in the field, he's eating and drinking fine and poos are fine too. Will get some yoghurt this afternoon and give him some later

Anke · « **Reply #5 on:** May 21, 2012, 04:08:09 pm »

If they are 7/8 weeks old they will need their Heptavac P+ now, if you haven't already done so. Otherwise all of yours are at risk! I take it they are bottle fed lambs, not on the ewe?