Posted by Administrator on June 16 2004 08:58
Ovine Newsletter 3rd Quarter 2004
White Muscle Disease
Is caused by a deficiency in vitamin E and/or selenium. This usually effects rapidly growing lambs. The are usually three presentations:
- Bright, alert, weak/down in hind limbs, Tremble if forced to walk
- Sudden death
- Increased incidence of infectious disease (esp. pneumonia)
Treatment is focused around getting vitamin E and selenium into the affected lambs, initially with an injection and then by supplementing it in diet.
Urolithiasis (Bladder Stones)
Because of the way the lamb's urinary tract is built, it makes them prone to developing urinary tract obstructions. The progression of the disease starts with a stone getting lodged, then the bladder or urethra can rupture if the stone doesn't pass. Clinical signs of bladder stones are, abdominal pain, they kick their belly, vocalize, and grind their teeth. If any of the clinical signs subside, it is usually because the bladder ruptures and the pain is gone. When this happens urine is pooling in the abdomen and the lamb will often die. Repair is costly and generally unrewarding, so prevention becomes very important. Some things to remember; keep water available at all times, feed choice salt, keep calcium:phosphorus ratio at least 2:1, and if undergoing an outbreak add ammonium chloride to acidify urine.
Don't Forget to Deworm Your Flock Prior to Breeding
All breeding ewes and rams should be dewormed prior to the breeding season. This will reduce parasite stress on the ewe and ram and improve breeding efficiency. Remember to rotate dewormer families on an annual basis to minimize resistance to parasites.
Product Options for Fall Deworming
Anthezole Drench 100 ml 10 ml/100#
VMC Panacur Drench 100 ml 5 ml/100#
Valbazen Drench 1 Liter 5 ml/100#
Ivomec Drench 1 Liter 12 ml/100#
Safeguard Pellets .5% 10# Pail Treat 10,000 lbs.