[Jacob-list] Paralyzed lamb

[Paintedrockfarm at aol.com]

Vaccinating for tetanus is common when tails are docked.  Even though  the 
lamb draws antibodies for the dam for this, an alteration of a lamb  should 
include a tetanus vaccination -- this includes ear tagging, tail docking,  
castration etc.  You must, however, use Tetanus Antitoxin NOT tetanus  toxoid, like 
what is in vaccines like CD&T.  
 
Antibodies take time to be produce in both adult and lamb -- this is one  
reason why many vaccines are done in a two shot series.  Tetanus antitoxin  
provides for immediate protection, something a regular vaccination does  not.  
Furthermore, you may notice most vaccines are labeled for use after a  certain 
age.  We use Covexin-8 which lists a 10 week minimum age, followed  by a booster 
in 6 weeks.  Not sure on CD&T's label since we don't use  it.
 
We give our ewes their annual vaccines (usually 4-6 weeks prior to  lambing), 
including tetanus but still give tetanus antitoxin to lambs at ear  tagging 
and tail docking -- we do both of these procedures at no more than 3  days of 
age.  Once we elect to castrate, we still provide the antitoxin  mainly because 
the lamb is not yet old enough for the regular vaccination series  OR has not 
yet received both injections.
 
Of course, this is strictly our flock policy and not everyone will agree  
with giving the same vaccine protocol.  I feel if protection is  available, it 
should be utilized.  Like the old adage -- An ounce of  prevention is worth a 
pound of cure!
 
As for method of administration, our vaccine provides for either a sub-q  
(under skin) OR intra-muscular injection site.  Sub-q vaccines often cause  skin 
irritation, unless given in an area that is wool free, like the arm pit  area. 
 Intra-muscular injections can cause soreness and this is where  proper 
administration is needed the most.  However, I seriously doubt your  lamb's 
paralysis was caused by nerve damage form a vaccine -- WHEN IN DOUBT,  CONTACT YOUR 
VET!
 
We use the neck for intra-muscular injections, rather than a leg to  minimize 
side effects.  Lambs being used for meat purposes may  show "damage" in areas 
of vaccination using the legs if not conducted  properly  - another reason 
for using the neck.  Again, our flock  methods and these may not work for 
everyone.
 
Mike  & Cheryl Terrano
_Painted  Rock Farm_ (http://members.aol.com/paintedrockfarm) 
Route 4 Box 726
Buckhannon, WV  26201-9205
(304) 457-6620 
_paintedrockfarm at aol.com_ (http://paintedrockfarm@aol.com/) 
Breeders of Registered Jacob Sheep & French Angora  Rabbits
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