sheep down for 5 days

[ausie smith]

I have a ewe that went down 5 days ago, she had worms (suspect barbers pole), drenched her, gave vitamin E and B1. No sign of worms now, very alert and eating/drinking well. Now she wont weight bare on her front legs at all. Is bleating and seems very happy. Any ideas? Can she survive if she doesn't get up?

 

[Northeastfarmer]

Can she survive if she doesn't get up?

And what sort of life is that? Or use for that matter....if she isn’t getting up get the gun out and put it down

 

[jemski]

Try putting her over a bale of straw and get her legs moving to get the circulation going again.

 

[bluepower]

I have a ewe that went down 5 days ago, she had worms (suspect barbers pole), drenched her, gave vitamin E and B1. No sign of worms now, very alert and eating/drinking well. Now she wont weight bare on her front legs at all. Is bleating and seems very happy. Any ideas? Can she survive if she doesn't get up?

Try giving her a dose of calcium between the ribs both sides, about 50ml in total. If that works she will be up in a matter of minutes. Multivit injection or steriod will work sometimes. Good luck.

 

[Zaphod]

Had pedigree ryeland like this early this year. She was down for 6 weeks but every time I went past the barn I made her stand, holding her up if she would'nt stand by herself. She made it in the end and is now happily out with her mates. Obviously I did it because she was bright, alert and not in pain and I wouldn't give up if she was happy to continue.

 

[Downton_shep]

Try giving her a dose of calcium between the ribs both sides, about 50ml in total. If that works she will be up in a matter of minutes. Multivit injection or steriod will work sometimes. Good luck.

Over the ribs not between!

 

[ausie smith]

And what sort of life is that? Or use for that matter....if she isn’t getting up get the gun out and put it down

If I thought there wasn't a chance to save her, I would put her down. Or if I thought she was in distress, but would like to try.

 

[ausie smith]

Thanks everyone, I will try your advice...here's hoping...will let you know.

 

[ewemustbekidding]

Did you see this about a happy downer cow needing phosphorus? Calcium would be the obvious one but worth a go if not?
https://thefarmingforum.co.uk/index.php?threads/learn-something-every-day-at-this-job.194618/

 

[Coximus]

I had this with 6 ewes a year or so back - turned out to be something causing accesses on the spine. Prevented nerves working by putting pressure on them.
Nothing shifted it apart from vet aspirating the abcess which gave a 5 mins turn around after 7 days down. ..
Most never got.up - legs atrophy and that's it