[shrekfeet]

can anyone help me? I'm still struggling to build up a calandar of basic health prevention treatments. I take on board comments previously made on this forum and I know I have to watch the flock and learn from the experenced. However as a relatively new shepherd I simply need some basic guidance on what I should be treating against and at what time of year. Fluke, worms, pre/post lambing etc etc. I have been searching the web and looking for good books but not had much luck.

Please help me keep my small flock healthy.

 

[morri2]

Shrekfeet, so far the bill has come to £107.00!  Not unexpected considering the tests and treatment she's had.  The blood test results showed that she's anaemic, has low protein and low blood count (could be liver problem but nothing conclusive).  Fecal tests indicated nothing specific, no worms and no fluke.  Vet suggested testing for Johnnes (spelling?) which I thought had already been done, but there'll be no extra costs as they already have the samples.  She deteriorated rapidly on Wednesday as she had another bad bout of scour.  Vet gave me three injections for her and she's picked up again but is still desperately thin.  She could possibly have a tumour, liver damage or something of that ilk, but she would have to undergo a biopsy to confirm.  Not only would the costs be prohibitive she would not survive the process, she's not strong enough.  So vet suggests if not Johnnes (result next week), which would result in her having to be put down as there's no cure, we will try a course of treatment and if no improvement (or if she deteriorates again, and I doubt she'll survive another bout of plip plops) we'll have to call it a day.  Will let you know the final bill amount in due course.  Cheers.

[shrekfeet]

Thanks Morri for keeping me posted. My ewe looked very rough last week and started shivering aroiund the neck area. I was in two minds as to whether to have her destroyed or to keep going. Anyway I got an antibiotic from the vet and jabbed her and she seems to have stopped shivering but she too is painfully thin. Eating away and seems happy enough though. I looked at Johnes disease too but figured there was no point in testing for it as it was not treatable. A more experiences shepherd locally recons she has an underlying liver problem and should be culled. I don't think she will make it through the winter but I'll keep an eye on here and as long as she is eating and seems happy then she gets to live another day.
Please keep me informed of blood test results

[VSS]

Shrekfeet, I think you'd find Tim's book very handy. (See sheep book update thread).
Morri, how long's this sheep been sick? Has it eaten a load of fallen oak leaves by any chance? (or acorns). A lame sheep or something which is a bit under the weather for other reasons will often fill up on fallen leaves if it doesn't feel like wandering around grazing.

[morri2]

Hi! Shrekfeet, sorry to hear about your ewe.  I know how you feel. Its a hard decision if they are not noticably suffering.  I've got my poorly sheep in the paddock next to the house, along with a friend to keep her company and I've put up a tent for shelter!  I've no sheds at the moment as we've recently moved house, so waiting for some to be built.  I think the neighbouring farmers think I've gone slightly insane with two sheep camping in my field!!  I will keep you posted on the test results,  and next time I'll try to put the post under the correct heading - so keep an eye on the 'Very Thin Ewe' thread. Cheers.