calling all sheepsters...My youngest and smallest lamb is sounding sort of congested and I've heard him cough a couple times. He's two weeks old and he's been eating (saw him chewing) and frisking around so I don't think he's desperate sick but wondered if I should get him on penicillin in case its pneumonia? What would you do? Tomorrow night I will be calling my niece who is a vet for advice too but I thought I check with you guys first.

-- Anonymous, April 08, 2002

Answers

We would give a shot of longisil,a three day antibiotic.(it acts for three days instead of giving one shot every day)If I hear coughing more than twice in the barn,I check for dusty hay etc.

-- Anonymous, April 08, 2002

Boy, Allison, I don't know. I have a ram who is now 2. He has always had sort of a raspy sound to him, and he's sound as all get- out. When he was first born, I though he was chilled, so I stuck him inside my coat and sat with him for a few hours. He turned out fine. He also ate like a pig (so did his sister, who is also very hale and hearty). I suggest you follow up with professional advice (and since I'm not there, I'm not even going to venture an opinion), but I would say that at least in *my* situation, a kind of hoarse and cough-y voice did not necessarily mean illness (or worms).

Better to check it out, however, as the downside to a cough could be so much worse!! Good luck!

-- Anonymous, April 09, 2002

Thanks gals. I have been scratching my head about him and consulting my book since I heard him cough a couple days ago. Then when i had him in my arms I could hear that rattley phlegmy sound. But he trots around romping with the others as if nothing is wrong and I have seen him nursing etc. Now I also have a ewe with loose droppings...grrrr. The ewes were wormed with Ivomec in February. Must be time to do it again or else she's eaten something that doesn't agree with here. Worries and worries and worries galore when it comes to animals. Hard to remember that its all worth it when you have to worry eh? I guess the same could be said about children though...LOL. Thanks again. Any input is GREATLY appreciated!!

-- Anonymous, April 09, 2002

My sheep often get loose poop in the spring when the new grass comes in. Even though they've been eating grass (what's left of it) all winter, the new stuff goes through them like crazy! I still feed hay for a while in the early spring (a.m) so they can get used to the new greener stuff in their gut. I never put my gang out onto wet spring grass for more than an hour at a time (or thereabouts) and gradually build up over a course of a week or so. That way I don't worry about bloat or anything. And I watch 'em. But they still will sometimes have different droppings until they get used to the new grass. Your mileage may vary!

-- Anonymous, April 09, 2002