6 week old lamb bloated

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6 week old lamb bloated
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maryanned

Joined: 14 Apr 2013
Posts: 16

Posted: Sun Apr 14, 13 4:30 pm Post subject: 6 week old lamb bloated
I have a six week old lamb who until yesterday was fine. Now she is bloated. Like a basket ball. Any one know what to do?

mochyn

Joined: 21 Dec 2004
Posts: 24585
Location: mid-Wales

Posted: Sun Apr 14, 13 4:33 pm Post subject:
Welcome, maryanned. RobR is your man: he's about somewhere...

maryanned

Joined: 14 Apr 2013
Posts: 16

Posted: Sun Apr 14, 13 4:40 pm Post subject:
I am very worried as I lost one last year who did about the same thing. This ones mom didn't want her.

Cathryn

Joined: 16 Jul 2005
Posts: 19856
Location: Ceredigion

Posted: Sun Apr 14, 13 5:36 pm Post subject:
Are you over feeding her? They are very greedy and drink too much, too fast. It goes into the wrong stomach and causes bloat. Do you think this might be what's happened?

maryanned

Joined: 14 Apr 2013
Posts: 16

Posted: Sun Apr 14, 13 5:41 pm Post subject:
I don't think so, I have been giving her 6 oz 4 times a day. But the grass did really green up the last few days I am hoping that is what caused it because if it is I can keep her off grass.

Cathryn

Joined: 16 Jul 2005
Posts: 19856
Location: Ceredigion

Posted: Sun Apr 14, 13 5:51 pm Post subject:

Are you feeding her anything else? Any creep feed? It is still more probable that it is milk going into the wrong stomach. They are very greedy and it can easily happen. It's safer to wean onto dry food as quickly as possible and they can be weaned completely off milk by six weeks as long as they are eating plenty of dry cake and hay. We have had pet lambs die at this age despite our best efforts. They seem to be doing so well. Try not to be disheartened by it as you are giving it your best effort.

maryanned

Joined: 14 Apr 2013
Posts: 16

Posted: Sun Apr 14, 13 5:59 pm Post subject:
I don't know what to do, she looks at me for help and I can't give her any. The three boys with her are all doing fine. I brought he in as it is getting quite warm today and she seems to like being in my bathroom. Any ideas on how to get rid of the gas?

Nick

Joined: 02 Nov 2004
Posts: 34535
Location: Hereford

Posted: Sun Apr 14, 13 6:01 pm Post subject:
Can you wind a lamb, like a baby?

maryanned

Joined: 14 Apr 2013
Posts: 16

Posted: Sun Apr 14, 13 6:04 pm Post subject:
I don't know how I could. She does not even like me to touch her now

Cathryn

Joined: 16 Jul 2005
Posts: 19856
Location: Ceredigion

Posted: Sun Apr 14, 13 6:08 pm Post subject:
He's trying to think of something. If its a problem in the rumen you can feed a little oil and see if that helps. (I have just googled that and it seems to be a common suggestion.) If you are feeding a few lambs (next year) you might want to consider letting them help themselves to milk in a bucket feeder.

Cathryn

Joined: 16 Jul 2005
Posts: 19856
Location: Ceredigion

Posted: Sun Apr 14, 13 6:09 pm Post subject:
I meant to add that there are probably others on here with ideas.

maryanned

Joined: 14 Apr 2013
Posts: 16

Posted: Sun Apr 14, 13 6:11 pm Post subject:
I've tried to get oil in her but she won't take it. I've also tried baking soda and a little ginger

Cathryn

Joined: 16 Jul 2005
Posts: 19856
Location: Ceredigion

Posted: Sun Apr 14, 13 6:12 pm Post subject:
Do you have a tube for feeding? You can get them at most feed merchant type places.

maryanned

Joined: 14 Apr 2013
Posts: 16

Posted: Sun Apr 14, 13 6:17 pm Post subject:
Finally got the vet on the phone and she said to use large needle in her side to release the gas. I hope it works

Cathryn

Joined: 16 Jul 2005
Posts: 19856
Location: Ceredigion

Posted: Sun Apr 14, 13 6:19 pm Post subject:
Let us know please. I would be interested.

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