Lamb with broken leg.

[Hughesy]

Have a 9 week old lamb that has broken his front leg between the knee and foot. No idea how it happened there’s no obvious hazards. Wondered if he’d caught it in a fence. Anyway, He’s totally non weight baring. I have splinted it and strapped it heavily. And had him inside to reduce his movement. Given him
Pain relief and anti inflammatory. Anything else I could do?
how long would people leave the splint on for??

 

[Bury the Trash]

Its surprising in that it doesnt take long in a young lamb, couple of weeks or so can sort it if it's a straight forward break away from the joints and well splinted but leave it as long as possible.

What I've done is put him and his siblings if hes got any and mum indoors for the duration, give him better chance to suck etc.
Can get plaster of Paris bandage s on Ebay.

 

[Cowslip]

I use pipe insulation cut to length and then shave the sides down a bit, gaffer tape around it. Always use it on knuckled lambs too. Never had it fail and it's cheap and can be reused.

 

[matthew]

We use pipe insulation and VetWrap. Can be changed easily as the animal grows.

 

[Anymulewilldo]

The lads are spot on with pipe insulation and tape or vet wrap. 2-2.5 weeks should be ample. I would take it off after that for a check anyway, just to make sure there are no sores on the leg. Sounds like he's broken it in the best place

 

[Bury the Trash]

The lads

 

[Anymulewilldo]

The lads

Sorry sorry!
Should have typed "Folks" or "Guys" to be more socially acceptable! ?

 

[Bury the Trash]

I like the plaster bandage tbh, better for awkward breaks.
get someone hold him nice and steady, and carefully put a puffy dressing bandage on first , dont over do it with the pp its doesnt need much and just hold him steady whilst it goes off.
Carefully put on and with a bit of luck as long as the skins not broken, it wont need changing by the time its chaffing it can hopefully be took off and not replaced

Do keep them in for a day after taking off tho to just to be sure it will still be green and tender as well.

 

[Bury the Trash]

Oh yeah, he might want to let his mates sign it as well....?

 

[Cowslip]

I'm a lass?

 

[Agrivator]

Pipe lagging split length ways is also ideal for calves. It can be taped as tight as possible, and unlike rigid splints, the lagging causes no chaffing at all.

 

[Agrivator]

Pipe lagging split length ways is also ideal for calves. It can be taped as tight as possible, and unlike rigid splints, the lagging causes no chaffing at all.

 

[primmiemoo]

I use medicated gamgee under the pipe splints (lessens any chafing), tail tape to secure, then bandage.

Keep as light in weight as poss. On very young lambs, split, pared to shape, old fashioned syringe cases have proved very light and useful.
I haven't bought a syringe in a case for ages, though. The 10ml and 60ml ones used to be handy holsters for jabs when available, too.