[Orinoco]

Hi

Im probably worrying about nothing but thought it worth asking.

I took my ram lamb to the vet yesterday for her to do the rubber ring castration (never done before), and I am just a tad concerned that it appears to be dragging one leg when trying to walk around.

Should I be concerned?

Ta

K

[Slimjim]

 Crossing my legs as I write this, but if you witnessed the  event, and it went ok, I have found some lambs feel the discomfort more than others. I would wait a day then if he doesn't improve ring the vet. I am rubbish at this procedure so get my neighbour to do it. Could I ask how much the vet charged please? PM me if you like.

[trish.farm]

There is a nerve that runs very close to where the bands go which can get caught by the band when castrating.  Lamb will be fine in a few days. xx

[Foobar]

If in doubt, ring your vet and ask them.  They may prefer to remove the band and put a new one on.

[shep53]

Am ringing circa 50 lambs per day and none now or ever have had a leg problem after, so something is wrong ??

[shygirl]

its never happened to us so speak to the vet. there are urinary tubes etc  that can get caught, so it worth checking.

[Womble]

Frankly just reading this thread is making ME cross my legs!! 

[Orinoco]

Hi

After a couple of days he seemed back to normal, but i was worried that the vet had caught something as he's a miniature sheep which must make it harder.

[SallyintNorth]

Oh!  Now you've said he's a mini...  I would have a look see and check that neither testicle is either caught in the band, or has slipped right back through.  If it's important he isn't a rig (with an internal testicle - which, beware, can start to work in a very cold winter - ask me how I know  ), then take him back to the vet for a double check.

Am ringing circa 50 lambs per day and none now or ever have had a leg problem after, so something is wrong ??

Agree.  Up to 10 mins discomfort is not unusual; very rarely up to 30 minutes.  More than that and I would investigate because something is not right.

I castrate a lot of lambs but haven't yet ringed my Shetland x boys as their wee nuts are only every so slightly larger than the hole in the centre of the ring!  I am resigned to possibly having to pay the vet to castrate them later on, because by the time their nuts are large enough I won't be able to catch them!  lol

The only one I've felt happy to ring is the BFL x Shetland - he's about the same size as he'd be if his mum was a Swaledale.  The others, which are more than 50% Shetland and mostly 75%+ primitive / small breeds - no chance!

[shygirl]

a mini sheep?
what is that?