Author Topic: Drooping ear on ewe lamb (Read 7036 times)

charls · « **on:** November 29, 2014, 05:09:21 pm »

Handled my ewe lambs today as was dosing with flukicide. All seemed fit and well, good condition. Anyway, when I ran them back to their field afterwards I noticed one had a drooping ear. Any ideas what the cause is, and should I consult a vet? Quick search suggests listeriosis, tapeworm or ear infection. Shouldn't be the first one as we've not been feeding them anything yet, just grass. Any suggestions, has anyone seen this? Thanks

Old Shep · « **Reply #1 on:** November 29, 2014, 05:12:48 pm »

is it swollen at the end? They can get infected and all the"gunk" weights the ear down. We just release the pus with a sharp blade and spray up with terramycin blue spray, anitbiotic jab wouldn't go amiss either.

Anke · « **Reply #2 on:** November 29, 2014, 06:35:19 pm »

If nothing external could it be cauliflower ear from having a wee bash-up with one of her mates? I have had it in goat kids... it resolves itself at some point.

If she was fit and well on coming into the pen to be handled I wouldn't panic just yet.

charls · « **Reply #3 on:** November 29, 2014, 07:05:25 pm »

Thanks guys, I feel a bit better about it now. Yes she seemed fine when we were handling her. I'll keep my eye out for weird behaviours, dribbling, losing condition etc and keep my fingers crossed

Old Shep · « **Reply #4 on:** November 29, 2014, 09:32:51 pm »

no I would get her in and have a proper look. If its infected she could feel proper poorly.

Fleecewife · « **Reply #5 on:** November 30, 2014, 01:17:35 am »

Is she tagged? If the tag is poorly applied so it goes through the cartilage, then the ear will have lost its support and will droop. If it's just on one side then it's unlikely to be a general health issue I would have thought, more likely an injury of some kind.

charls · « **Reply #6 on:** December 01, 2014, 01:12:42 pm »

OK, we'll have a closer look next time we get them in. Having said that, my husband checked them all close up in the field yesterday and couldn't even see the drooping ear. Maybe it's just one of those odd things. Yes she is tagged, you're right, could be a tagging issue...