[Fishyhaddock]

Hi everyone, I have been trawling through old posts to see if any previous advice can help. I have a ewe 4 weeks away from lambing and I noticed some wart like growths adjacent to her teat. Now I guess this is going to give me problems once the lambs arrive with possible mastitis on the horizon. She is only 3 and last year we had orf in the flock. I don't think they are scars from last year, I would have noticed ...This is a new one for us so any pointers would be appreciated. Picture attached....it's not great but should give you the jist.
Thanks.
Fishy.

[fsmnutter]

Could be scar tissue or warts from the body reacting to teeth of lambs, possibly post disease such as orf or mastitis.
If the teat and udder are soft, not hard or hot, then I would agree with your assessment - she will need a close eye to ensure the lambs are able to suckle that teat, especially to get colostrum, milking and feeding them to get colostrum in if necessary, and then keep an eye they continue to feed as could be prone to mastitis.
If that udder is hard, hot or the ewe is unwell at any time you should call the vet.

[Fishyhaddock]

Thanks for replying. We checked all the ewes before they went in with the tup as we seem to be susceptible to mastitis.... One a year for 3 years so far. However just checked our records and her lambs had orf last year so maybe after effects and these growths lot less visible until in lamb again.


 

[shep53]

I have plenty of teats  on ewes   with orf / teeth damage but nothing that looks like the picture , maybe show your vet a better picture

[Fishyhaddock]

Thanks shep will do. Will have another go today.

[Fishyhaddock]

Here is a better photo shep. Growths are at base of teat. All soft.

[fsmnutter]

Being as they are soft, not painful and not bleeding or oozing, as a vet my guess is a hyperplasia (extra growth of tissue) or warts which have grown in response to trauma or infection.
I have seen similar teats on multiple ewes over many years of lambing, and as long as the lambs learn to suckle the odd teats which can take a bit of patience, and the ewe does not have problems with cuts from lambs teeth, which will require a close eye kept on her, as you clearly have been doing to detect this before the lambs are born, then I would expect all will be well.
Any concerns once the lambs are born and suckling would warrant a veterinary examination.
All the best with her.

[Fishyhaddock]

Thank you fsmnutter.
Very good of you reply.
She is one of my favourites so I will be keeping a close eye on her.
Fishy.

[shep53]

 Much clearer picture , since the trauma is at the base of the teat then maybe enough left for the  lamb to suck , only time will tell  , second teat is ok so at least a single lamb ok

[Fishyhaddock]

Many thanks.

[Hellybee]

Like it s grow a bit wacky after trauma, over granulation kinds thing?

[Marches Farmer]

I wouldn't breed from her again.