Author Topic: Stiff pregnant ewe (Read 4808 times)

wellies · « **on:** March 13, 2013, 07:05:58 am »

Morning. I have a ewe who is at 145 days and rather large; she wasn't scanned so not sure if she's carrying twins but my guess would be yes. Yesterday evening she looked stiff in her hind legs. She is eating and drinking well, has access to ad lib hay, nuts twice a day and a high energy lick. She just seems to shuffle with her back legs and finds it strenuous to get up and down. Does anyone have any ideas?

ZaktheLad · « **Reply #1 on:** March 13, 2013, 07:16:03 am »

Could be the lamb(s) are laid awkward inside of her.

SWT-Flying Flock · « **Reply #2 on:** March 13, 2013, 08:45:58 am »

She could have subclinical hypocalcaemia. I would keep a close eye and consider treating for twin lamb disease and with calcium as a precaution.

SheepCrazy! · « **Reply #3 on:** March 13, 2013, 10:04:59 am »

Could be a trapped nerve that can make them stiff and akward, Keep an eye in her.

crazy_bull · « **Reply #4 on:** March 14, 2013, 10:55:02 am »

Quote from: SWT-Flying Flock on March 13, 2013, 08:45:58 am

She could have subclinical hypocalcaemia. I would keep a close eye and consider treating for twin lamb disease and with calcium as a precaution.

This!

We have had several do this, this year they initially look a bit lame (nothing wrong with the feet) they then go down and struggle to get up, had 9 do it on day 2 after lambing, after a good dose of calcium solution under the skin and some energy drink (twin lamb gear or similar) they were up and about as if nothing had happened. If you don't treat it they die in most situations. Lack of Calcium this year has been a major issue in our area with several herds of suckler cows suffering where they have never suffered before.

It could be because of the attrocious grass growing conditions last year that meant the summer grazing had little value in it plus also the silage/hay fed over winter is essentially the same deficient grass.

All mine had adlib mineral licks and energy licks as well as 500gm's/ day cake and adlib hay.

The real test will be when the main flock start lambing in April (i hope it won't be similar) as we had 9 out of 21 do it, the main flock is 750 $:-\$

wellies · « **Reply #5 on:** March 14, 2013, 04:02:48 pm »

thank you for all your replies. I've been watching her closely and she is moving lots better, nearly took hubby out on her dash (quick waddle

) to the stable door; she is a rather large unit at the mo. I'm hoping the lamb or lambs were just lying awkwardly but will continue to watch her closely