[fiestyredhead331]

One of my GG's has been off her feet since Monday. When she tries to get up she doesn't seem able to get up on her back legs. My first thought is 'staggers'?....should I give her coppinox? They have an equine lick bucket but maybe shes not getting enough?
Her appetite is good, been giving her lots of fresh fruit and veg with her hard feed and as much hay as she can eat, also a warm water and molasses drink (her fave!) and she is bright and alert

any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated

[Rosemary]

Is she milking or in kid? Hope she's ok 

[fsmnutter]

Is she in milk, in kid? Good appetite sounds good prognosis, but unlikely to be a lot of common things as often off food. If you have something with vitamin b1 in (injection of combivit or some twin lamb drenches), I would suggest good doses of that in case of a ccn. Could be nerve or muscular problems, particularly if in kid which may need anti inflammatory, metacam or steroid. Could be metabolic such as low calcium or magnesium, but a lick should be helping, may need injection of calcium and magnesium to be safe. Things like spinal abscesses or meningitis including listeria can cause paralysis, so may need hefty shots of antibiotics that get to the brain and nerves.

[fiestyredhead331]

she's just weaned twins.
Just got off the phone with on-call vet who suspects spinal abscess possibly so starting her on antibiotics right now. Should I give her some Calciject too?
oh and she's to get some physio so she doesn't get pressure sores 

[fsmnutter]

Sounds quite likely with the bright demeanour and appetite. Good luck. Penicillin drugs and florfenicol seem to be good for these, what did vet suggest? Calciject unlikely to harm, but I'm not convinced it would help. Odd time for a low calcium or magnesium to hit if just weaned.

[fiestyredhead331]

they suggested I start her on antibiotics but I don't have any anti-inflammatory and cant get any until Tuesday so will she how she goes in the meantime 

thanks for all the input 

[clydesdaleclopper]

You can make up a sling to go under her that you can attach to the roof of the barn to help to hold her on her feet for short periods. Then you can more easily massage her muscles. Try to do it about 5 times a day to give her the best chance. I hope she gets better soon.

[fiestyredhead331]

ooh thats a great idea clydesdaleclopper 
the vet suggested propping over a square bale under supervision

[clydesdaleclopper]

If you know anyone who has one of the lamb slings for weighing them you could use that as it won't be taking all of her weight just supporting her back end. Try to put a fair bit of padding under her tummy when you do it. If you have a small winch then you will be able to get her up and down on your own without it being a two person job. If you are still milking her you can also do this whilst she is supported as milking whilst they are lying down is blooming awful.

[fiestyredhead331]

She's drying up herself so that makes life easier

She's been trying to get herself up today which is a good sign but I fear I have spoiled her now, she wont drink the water unless I put molasses in it now 

[Anke]

She's drying up herself so that makes life easier

She's been trying to get herself up today which is a good sign but I fear I have spoiled her now, she wont drink the water unless I put molasses in it now 

Some of mine have upped that ...only WARM water with molasses... hope she continues to improve