Ram lamb injured paralysis?

[GreenerGrass]

Just checked on my ram lambs and one was down and being whacked by another as I arrived, I’ve got him separated now but there seems no movement in back legs front are fine. His tail did wag when I carried but not sure if a reflex.

Just wanted to know if any test for paralysis or way to be sure or if could be temporary/shock. I’m going to have to shoot him shortly so if anyone thinks it could be anything other than paralysis and broken spine please say. Thanks

 

[MF135]

Following

 

[Woolless]

Pinch back leg/foot hard and see if there's a reaction. Give him a good dose of steroids/non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. Could just be spinal shock.

 

[Bury the Trash]

could build a temporary hurdle pen around him. to save moving him to shed/yard

 

[Al R]

I have a ram who is literally in the shape of an S. he even walks at an angle. We reckon he’s had a massive wallop off another ram as he wasn’t like this a month ago. he is mounting ewes but we’ve had to put another in incase.

Does yours walk or nothing at all? If you have any doubt in the quality of life, shoot it.

 

[GreenerGrass]

Thanks all for flurry of response, I shot him an hour after post so before they came in. I did try the pinch test but got no response from him, I really did want something to happen and to give him a chance, hence the topic to see if any cause for optimism. I appreciate all the replies.

The hind legs seemed completely floppy and I felt likelihood is broken back, and I didn’t want to delay any more. He couldn’t stand. I’ve never butchered a sheep before but going to try to turn a bad situation into a better one. Is it fairly rare? It’s first time we’ve experienced it but expanding flock and not been farming many years yet.

 

[Bury the Trash]

No i wouldnt say its rare exactly,

and i have had them get over it.....and when it happens its like a miracle

had ewe like it once, 2 females fighting

 

[Blod]

I used to pen rams really tight for a day when introducing new ones. Same for young bulls though apparently spraying with vinegar helps

 

[Bury the Trash]

I used to pen rams really tight for a day when introducing new ones. Same for young bulls though apparently spraying with vinegar helps

even rams that live together the whole year can be unpredictable when just put in with ewes .

had 2 mature rams of 5 put with a flock last week and they were having a hell of scrap

25 yards back and full speed

could here the bangs behind double glazing ...thought was thunder



had to step in with a piece of 4x2 to sober them up
the other 3 were too busy to notice

 

[Purli R]

the other 3 were too busy to notice

With each other?