Sheep unexpected deaths

[Teddy6677]

Hi, a friend of mine is having a problem with his sheep. He bought ew lambs last October didn't turn a ram to them. But 2 died and 1 went very sick with exactly the same symptoms. They were laying on their back kicking their legs unable to move. The vet told him it was vitamin b12 defishancy and she got better after the vitamin injection but now she is blind!!! Has anyone got any experience or got any advice on the matter?? Could it be a defishancy in the field their grazing or a polluted water source?? Many thanks

 

[yellowbelly]

Sounds like CCN. Probably triggered by a movement to a new environment.
Have a read of this....
Polioencephalomalacia (Cerebrocortical necrosis CCN).
History

Polioencephalomalacia (PEM) is most commonly seen in weaned lambs aged 4 to 8 months but disease does occur in adult sheep. Individual lambs are usually affected approximately two weeks after movement to another pasture or other dietary change. During the early stages of PEM affected sheep are blind and become isolated from the group and may wander aimlessly. There is 'star-gazing' when stationary. The condition deteriorates within 12 to 24 hours to lateral recumbency with seizure activity during handling. Without treatment, death follows within 3 to 5 days in untreated sheep.

Fig 11: During the early stages of PEM affected sheep are blind and become isolated from the group.

Fig 12: During the early stages of PEM affected sheep are blind and become isolated from the group.

Fig 13: There is 'star-gazing' when stationary.

Fig 14: The condition deteriorates within 12 to 24 hours to lateral recumbency with seizure activity
History

• weaned lambs aged 4 to 8 months but occasionally adult sheep
• pasture or other dietary change

Clinical signs

• blind
• become isolated
• wander aimlessly
• 'star-gazing'
• recumbency with seizure activity

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based upon veterinary examination.

Treatment

The treatment response during the early clinical stages of PEM to high doses of thiamine, (10 mg/kg bid) administered intravenously for the first occasion, is generally good. Successfully treated sheep are able to stand and commence eating within 24 hours although normal vision may not return for 5 to 7 days. Treatment should be continued for three consecutive days.

• Intravenous thiamine (vitamin B1)
• Three consecutive days' treatment

Fig 15: The treatment response during the early clinical stages of PEM is generally good (see below).

Fig 16: The same sheep as above after treatment.

 

[bovine]

B1 (CCN) much more likely than B12 deficiency (pine).

Would always advise PM's of dead animals. Histopathology of the brain will confirm the diagnosis of CCN.

 

[Old Boar]

Thanks to this forum, a sheep I had with thiamin deficiency (vet confirmed) was saved by continuing the multi vit drench for about 2 weeks longer than the vet advised. She was blind and I was about to give up but she came good and it is difficult to see the difference between her and her sisters, apart from the fact she is friendly.

 

[bovine]

the multi vit drench

The affected sheep produce an enzyme (thiaminase) in the rumen that breaks down the thiamine. Drenches do not help the condition. If it got better with oral therapy then it was despite treatment, rather than as a result of it! Animals have an intrinsic ability to get better, this is why people think homoeopathy works.

As has been linked, treatment is by injection of B1 (ideally IV in the first instance).

 

[The Ruminant]

Is the title of this thread an oxymoron?

[Oxymoron definition: Words used together that have, or appear to have, opposite meanings ]

 

[Agrivator]

In an emergency, drench with a couple of desert spoons of Marmite dissolved in warm water.

But use a clean spoon, don't dribble down the jar, and replace in the kitchen cupboard to avoid arousing suspicion.

Marmite contains a whole range of B Vitamins.

 

[Devil's advocate]

In an emergency, drench with a couple of desert spoons of Marmite dissolved in warm water.

But use a clean spoon, don't dribble down the jar, and replace in the kitchen cupboard to avoid arousing suspicion.

Marmite contains a whole range of B Vitamins.

But Bovine says drenches don't work. I'm confused, but lucky to not to have had the problem in my flock.

 

[bovine]

Marmite contains a whole range of B Vitamins.

Which will do NOTHING to treat CCN.............

 

[Yale]

Which will do NOTHING to treat CCN.............

But the big question is........do you love it or hate it?

 

[Northeastfarmer]

But the big question is........do you love it or hate it?

It’s vile

 

[yellowbelly]

But the big question is........do you love it or hate it?

Don't like Marmite but I'm quite partial to Twiglets

 

[Old Boar]

The affected sheep produce an enzyme (thiaminase) in the rumen that breaks down the thiamine. Drenches do not help the condition. If it got better with oral therapy then it was despite treatment, rather than as a result of it! Animals have an intrinsic ability to get better, this is why people think homoeopathy works.

As has been linked, treatment is by injection of B1 (ideally IV in the first instance).

I shall ask for my money back...

 

[Ffermer Bach]

It’s vile

how about vegemite?

 

[Northeastfarmer]

how about vegemite?

Never even tried it, anything that is almost spelt vegan isn’t for me

 

[Bury the Trash]

It’s vile

i like it on toast ..............its good fer yer lobedo

...and it makes yer beard grow

 

[Northeastfarmer]

..............its good fer yer lobedo

Been having trouble with it?

 

[Bury the Trash]

Been having trouble with it?

ha bledy ha...


No....

 

[Paul E]

In an emergency, drench with a couple of desert spoons of Marmite dissolved in warm water.

But use a clean spoon, don't dribble down the jar, and replace in the kitchen cupboard to avoid arousing suspicion.

Marmite contains a whole range of B Vitamins.

Sounds a faff to me.
Just stick the entire jar, suppository style -
but remember to take the lid off first!!

Or you could try giving it to the ewe.
If it is CCN you've to hit it hard and early.