Big lamb lost use of back legs

[HappyShep76]

Hi all.

Yesterday when doing my first checks I noticed a lamb that was stood with it’s rear end dipped down lower than normal but still following mum. I went past it again at lunch at it looked like it was a ewe lamb squatting for a pee. By 3pm it was sat like a dog and dragging both back legs. They’re not out behind him but tucked under him in the “laying down” position. He can still get a shifty on as I had to use the dog to catch him!

Any ideas?

He’s an Easycare cross and weighs in at 23kg. Be a shame to lose him as he’s as bright as a button otherwise.

Thanks

 

[Northeastfarmer]

Spinal abscess

 

[HappyShep76]

Spinal abscess

I’m guessing that would stem from ringing his tail?

Any treatment worthwhile or a pointless exercise?

 

[Northeastfarmer]

I’m guessing that would stem from ringing his tail?

Any treatment worthwhile or a pointless exercise?

I’m only surmising, but has the same symptoms, try it with a course of antibiotics

 

[HappyShep76]

It’s had multivitamin but no antibiotics yet. I’ll give it some long acting and see what happens.

 

[Poorbuthappy]

It’s had multivitamin but no antibiotics yet. I’ll give it some long acting and see what happens.

And give it time.
We had 1 this year, whether spinal absess or joint ill (had a lot of trouble with that this year) or something else. Brought it in with tame lambs and it's continued to do really well, but took over a week to start to get back on its feet. Still a little wobbly but great to see it up again.

 

[Chris123]

Had two about a month ago both no longer with us. Spinal abscess as said above highly likely what it is. Kill him for dog food while he’s still in decent shape

 

[Nithsdale]

I’m guessing that would stem from ringing his tail?

Any treatment worthwhile or a pointless exercise?

Not necessarily from ringing... BUT an open wound does allow infection in.


If you spoke to your vet I think they'd probably give you a shot of steroids, along with antibiotics - Pen&Strep or Betamox are best (same as for joint ill).

When you say Long Acting - what have you got/given it? Engemycin is next to useless on this type of thing...

 

[2tractors]

Agree spinal abcess, daily pen strep for a long time, generally have about 66% success rate.

 

[HappyShep76]

He’s had Bimoxyl LA. He’s still bright and taking creep ok. The bimoxyl has worked really well for joint I’ll this year. Fingers crossed.....

 

[Poorbuthappy]

He’s had Bimoxyl LA. He’s still bright and taking creep ok. The bimoxyl has worked really well for joint I’ll this year. Fingers crossed.....

Repeat after 48 hours, at least once.