[pikilily]

Hiya,

i have just done an inspection of my four ewes ( all in lamb) to discover that one of them has developed a small hernia. Its about 3-4 inches long and is just behind the ziphisternum  - as far forward on the abdomen before you hit the centre of the rib cage. This ewe is due to lamb in two weeks time. She wasnt scanned, but by the look of her she has either twins or possibly triplets.

Last year she carried twins with out problem. She is three or four years old now. She is not in any distress and is eating and moving about well.

Any advice? Can one get a truss to support the abdomen as she enters the last stages of pregnancy and then labour?  I will try to keep her quiet, not panic her or cause sudden stressful forceful movements- basic human advice...i am a nurse!

I know i will have to cull her later ( I will prob put her for mutton rather than sell her on - wouldnt like to think of her out on a hill in lamb with a rupturing hernia) but would like to try to get her through the pregnancy with out causing her any problems.

Has anyone got experience with this sort of issue??? Is it going to get worse, how can I help her. Do I call the vet now or see how things develop over the weekend?
Cheers Emma T