[moprabbit]

First of all good luck to all of you who are in the midst of lambing. I know it's a lovely time of the year when all goes well and a very sad and frustrating time when things don't go well. But this forum is brilliant to share your troubles. problems and celebrate your triumphs!
I've just got a question to ask that's not related to lambing at all.... one of my ewes has a squashy lump on the back of her neck. It's about 4cm by 3cm. It isn't causing her any pain and there's no 'head' on it. I've had one of my other ewes with something similar but that got a head on it, which I squeezed, pus came out and I then bathed it with salt water and it was better in no time. I'm just wondering if I should burst this one. It would mean using a needle I think. Or should I just leave it and see if a head develops or if it goes on its own?
Thank you for any advice.
 

[roddycm]

It's always best to try and resist!! If you can't resist then jut make sure you clean it properly! But I'd leave it if you can!

[farmvet]

Its unlikley to resolve on its own at that size.  I'd give a quick scrub with some hibiscub or similar & put a sterile needle in 18 or 16g.  If its an abscess pus will come out the needle or the hole left when you remove it.  You may need to make a quick stab incision if it is an abscess & the pus has gone thick & gloopy. 
If your getting regular abscesses are the sheep damaging their necks somewhere? Otherwise I'd be a bit concerned about CLA.

[Fleecewife]

And if it is CLA it's contagious so be very careful with hygiene for both you and the sheep, and dispose of any pus, gloves, dressings etc very carefully.

[farmvet]

http://www.nadis.org.uk/bulletins/caseous-lymphadenitis-%28cla%29.aspx

[ScotsGirl]

I had a ewe with similar which might have been a result of Heptavac. Vet lanced it and squeezed out hard pus, it healed with no adverse effects. Haven't had it again with her.

[sarahdean_66]

i had a couple get them and the second had a thorn in and I had noticed they had been up the fences eating the brambles!!

[moprabbit]

Thank you for all the replies. It is interesting Scotsgirl that you mention using Heptavac. I Heptavac'd mine and I think these lumps appeared sometime after that. I've looked at the website Farmvet and I don't think that it is CLA, but thank you for the info. But I will be careful with hygiene etc.