[Jacob-list] Fw: Falling ewe

[gordon johnston]

Hi All
I tried to send this yesterday and as it hasn't appeared yet, I'm trying
again.
Apologies if it comes through twice.
Juliet
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "gordon johnston" <gordon at westergladstone.fsnet.co.uk>
To: <jacob-list at jacobsheep.com>
Sent: Saturday, January 15, 2005 11:36 PM
Subject: Falling ewe


Hi Rich
This sounds like hypocalcaemia.  Your surviving ewe needs  a Glucose and
Calcium injection - called 'Calciject' here - very promptly.   Each 100mls
of Calciject contains 4.2 gms of calcium and 0.78 gms of magnesium. The dose
is 20 mls, given in 4 separate 5 ml subcutaneous injections over the ribs.
(It tends to be produced for cattle, possibly in varying concentrations, so
check the amount of calcium and magnesium in the preparation you get to
determine the volume you give)

The problem is caused by a fall in the level of calcium in the blood when
the foetus is growing rapidly, especially if there is not the right
proportion of calcium to phosphorus in the diet. The pregnant ewe may not be
able to eat enough to maintain the foetus (excuse the British spelling ) and
so looses condition until she collapses and dies, quite quickly.  Or the
animal may have been stressed by being moved, chased , shorn or by bad
weather.
Calciject will produce an amazing result within 20 - 30 minutes, with the
ewe suddenly perking up and becoming interested in eating.  After this, she
will need a high energy intake ,possibly a rehydration mix ( 1 teasp salt
and at least 1 tbsp glucose powder per litre of water, try to give about
half a litre initially ) and plenty of well-balanced proprietary feed.  If
she has lain outside and become wet or chilled, it may be sensible to give a
long-acting antibiotic injection to see her through and prevent pneumonia.
In the recovery phase we would give a treat of Digestive biscuits to
encourage the appetite - I've no idea what the equivalent is in the US
(sweet wholemeal cookies ?).  Take care not to feed large quantities of
barley which can cause bloat.  If she survives, watch her until well after
her lambs are born, as even feeding them as they grow might be too much for
her and she could collapse again (If she shows the first signs of collapse -
usually drooping , cold ears - repeat the injection ; it will not do her
harm and will save her life) .  It could be time for her to retire, or at
least take a gap year !
If you can't immediately get hold of the Calciject, try the rehydration
mixture (given by mouth - we use a large syringe without the needle on to
trickle it in , a little at a time until she swallows) and a high energy
feed.  We have found glucose-based mineral tubs available ad lib throughout
pregnancy to be helpful in avoiding Hypocalcaemia, as well as plentiful good
quality hay and a proprietary sheep feed (ours is made up of a mix of
crushed maize, a little barley, crushed peas or beans and molasses-based
cake).  She needs to be indoors under cover, if possible with another sheep
in the next pen for company.
Good luck.
Juliet in Scotland