[Rosemary]

I had to take Lyra, our only ewe lamb, to the vet tonight. She's become stiff in her back legs. I though maybe one of the tup lambs had hurt her - she's the youngest and the other two are thugs.

The vet thinks she has "stiff lamb disease" or a spinal abcess - in either case, there's not much chance for her surviving. He gave her a cocktail of antibiotics and I've got stuff to give her tomorrow and Friday and she's to go back on Friday unless she's worse in which case, she'll have to be put down. It's caused by the same organism that causes Swine erysipelas.

I'm absolutely gutted. She's 3 weeks plus and a big strong lamb and I just can't believe it. Apart from the stiffness, she looks great.

Apparently the spinal abcess is caused by using rubber rings for tailing. I thought I was doing the right thing. I've never heard of this before.

[kanisha]

I'm sorry to read the news. hope things improve;

[kaz]

Sorry to hear that Rosemary. I have not had or know of anyone who have had problems with the rings on the tail. How old was she when you put the ring on?
I hope everything goes well for her.

[Rosemary]

About four days old, so I was sure she was suckling well. In fact, i never saw her in any way affected by the ring.

[kaz]

I would ring my lambs also within the first few days and no later than 7, depending on how well they are in themselves, so don't beat yourself up about that as you have done it within the timescale and as far as you were aware she was healthy at the time. Lets hope everything works out o.k.for her.

[BadgerFace]

Very sorry to hear about your lamb. I've never seen or heard of tail ringing causing such problems.

One of my cats had a spinal abscess, caused by a bite from a feral. He responded to treatment well and is now fine.

Fingers & hooves crossed for your lamb 

[countrygirlatheart]

Rosemary - sorry to read about your ewe lamb

what bad luck   yours couldn't be better looked after     

hope it turns out to be ok

[Rosemary]

Well, keep the fingers crossed - she's looking a lot better. Her right leg is still a bit stiff but she's walking almost normally and she can pee properly now - she couldn't squat earlier in the week. She's had more antibiotics today so we'll see how she goes.

Thanks for your good wishes - I've told her everyone's rooting for her.

[doganjo]

Were the eggs OK?

[The Relic]

cant see the problem being rubber ringing. our lambs are usually older than 7 days when we ring them and never any problems

[kaz]

Thats good news Rosemary, lets hope she continues to improve what a nightmare for you.

[Rosemary]

Annie, the eggs were fine. What was the blue one? Hope you haven't sneaked a duck in. She pushed one egg out  but is VERY happy sitting on the others.

Kaz, Lyra got more antibiotics yesterday and she's almost back to normal today so findgers crossed that it's an end to this episode.

[jameslindsay]

Good luck with the hatching Rosemary, good to hear that the lamb is improving.

[doganjo]

Hope you haven't sneaked a duck in.

I put a note in with them to say I only had 5 ex batts and had put a duck one in.  If it hatches I'll have it back if you don't want it.

[jameslindsay]

Will the duck egg have any chance of hatching when all the hens would hatch a week earlier?