Normal 1st stage labor for 45 minutes. Went in at this point when no lamb presented. First lamb was 13#'s and backwards, hard pull--lamb died. Second lamb came out normal presentation and is fine. Ewe is lethargic and not eating or drinking 14 hours post delivery. Seemed to pass placenta fine (ate it). Her breathing is rapid and she is down a lot -- she does stand to let the lamb nurse. We have administered 1 dose of penicillin but it is looking like we will need to administer some pain control (banamine) when we get home tonight after work. Do any of you have any tips or advice on getting the ewe perked up/help her recover some?
Ewe lethargic/not eating or drinking post labor
- Thread starter MTMiller
- Start date
- Location
- Mendips Somerset
give double dose of AB (white) first time to get levels up and follow up with normal dose for 3 days and also anti inflammatory / pain relief (metcam or similar) i expect sore and starting infection important to catch early
Thank you for your reply! Thinking of drenching her with electolytes? Maybe a probio?
primmiemoo
Member
- Location
- Devon
Do you have any greenery to offer her? Something like bramble leaves to tempt appetite.
It does sound as through she's sore, as already said. She would need a drench of water, so a drench with electrolyte wouldn't be amiss.
Hope she soon perks up.
It does sound as through she's sore, as already said. She would need a drench of water, so a drench with electrolyte wouldn't be amiss.
Hope she soon perks up.
Hello, thanks for the reply! I am not sure what bramble leaves are! We do have grass/alfalfa hay in with her now though, no interest.
johnspeehs
Member
- Location
- Co Antrim
brambles = Blackberry plants, Ivy is also very good.
primmiemoo
Member
- Location
- Devon
Is there a herb that you know sheep like for a treat? Or something like carrot tops?
The alfalfa might smell a little too rich ~ or however sheep interpret such things
johnspeehs
Member
- Location
- Co Antrim
Just looked where you are located so maybe brambles or Ivy are not readily available.
- Location
- Isle of Skye
Drenching Propylene Glycol would keep her energy up a bit until appetite returns.
We treated her with a loading dose of penicillin, vitamin B and also banamine for pain control. Drenched her with a nutri-drench as well. Carrot tops is a good idea, I will try to think of some things that we don't typically offer that she may find tempting. After we treated her she seemed to perk up some, and nibbled on some hay, drank a few swallows but that was all. Hasn't eaten or drank any since last night. I have called the local veterinarian to see if they can offer any further supportive therapy to us. I don't want to lose this ewe! I don't imagine anybody ever does, but we'll do whatever it takes. I appreciate your ideas, please keep them coming.
You sure she’s cleansed? Did you actually see her eat it or just assume?
Does she smell?
primmiemoo
Member
- Location
- Devon
Could be listeria, or could be staggers. Hope you've been able to have a chat about it with the vet, and the ewe's still with you
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