[sonyasmallholder]

hi i have a mule sheep who is having twins .today i noticed that she has a frothy mouth and is breathing a little heavy . i brought her in and went on the internet. it says she has bloat. i gave her some milk of magnessia  .she is normaly the first at the food trough and stuffs herself. it also said on the internet to give her some vegetable oil . i need to know how to help her please.

[sheepandponies]

Yes use vegetable oil and syringe it down her throat - about 100ml should do the trick; if she gorges her food split it up and give it her in more feeds.

[Canadian Sheepfarmer]

Could be bloat which is foamy, but is it watery, staining, green coloured? Half digested grass? I have a couple that seem prone to cud spill. They don't seem any the worse for it, I put it down to either the shape of their mouths or nervousness, anyways they are still with us!

[sonyasmallholder]

gave her some oil today she is not interested in food. she is up and walking around she stamps her feet and is grinding her teeth.will she get better or do i need to give her some more oil. thx

[VSS]

I should think it is more likely to be pneumonia!

[woollyval]

I agree with VSS!!!! Bloat is very very unusual at this time of year and internet self diagnosis a bit dangerous! If she is not eating well, has a temp and is gurgully/frothy you need to get her on a course of antibiotics asap and be very careful she does not get twin lamb disease as a result of less hard feed.....I think a call to the vet is urgent!

[sonyasmallholder]

our mule sheep florence has been given antibiotics and some calcium in case she has twin lamb disease.  she is breathing more calmly now but is still not eating and she is walking around slowly, what else can i do? 

[sheepandponies]

I agree you should get a vet to see her - you didn't say if you had taken her temperature?  You can't afford to have an in lamb ewe off her food.  Good luck

[woollyval]

Drench with lots of glucose and water....you can get a specific twin lamb drench....she is in serious trouble if not eating!!!!

[sonyasmallholder]

thanks to you all for advise, florence is slightly better she has had a drench and some warm shreddies and i have noticed she has started to nibble a little hay so hopefully she is getting better.