sheep lame/down approach

What is one of the initial questions to ask when approaching a down sheep?

How long has she been down for?

What condition might a pregnant sheep that has just lambed be at risk for?

Hypomagnesaemia.

What clinical sign might suggest listeria infection in a sheep?

Salivation.

What is the first step in the management of hypocalcaemia in sheep?

Administer 40ml IV calcium borogluconate 40%.

What is a common neurological sign of listeria?

Head tilt.

What should be done to sheep showing itching?

Perform a skin scrape for Psoroptes ovis.

Which blood sample should be taken for further investigation in down sheep?

Jugular blood sample to check calcium level and glucose.

What are the signs of pregnancy toxaemia in sheep?

Anorexia, tremors, and blindness.

What is a management step for hypomagnesaemia if sheep are seizing?

Sedate the sheep.

What type of diet is recommended to prevent hypomagnesaemia?

High fiber diet to increase gut transit time.

When approaching lame sheep, what is an important question about their management history?

Do they routinely foot trim?

Which condition could result from not using footbaths?

Foot rot.

What is a common treatment for toe granuloma in sheep?

Cut off with a tourniquet, cauterize with hot iron under local anesthesia.

What is the recommended footbath solution for scald?

10% zinc sulphate solution.

What should be done if a sheep is lame more than twice?

Cull the sheep.

What vaccination is suggested to establish immunity against lameness?

Footvax.

What is one key aspect of the 5-point plan for preventing lameness in sheep?

Avoid (reduce disease challenge) by separating lame sheep.

What is a recommended treatment for white line disease in sheep?

Oxytetracycline plus poultice.

How often should footvax boosters be administered?

Annually.

What needs to be avoided when administering footvax?

Do not mix with moxidectin.

How should new stock be managed before introducing them to the herd?

Quarantine new stock.

What causes hypocalcaemia in sheep?

Weakness, bloating, and late pregnancy.

What should be checked during the clinical examination of lame sheep?

Look at their feet.

What is the role of routine inspections in managing sheep lameness?

To regularly inspect and treat sheep with antibiotics as needed.

What is a significant management practice to reduce CODD levels in a flock?

Maintain a closed herd.

What might indicate the need for a skin scrape in a sheep showing signs of pruritis?

Itching.

What should be done to prevent sheep from mixing with neighboring flocks?

Prevent grazing away from the farm.

What risk is involved with treating old or thin ewes for hypocalcaemia?

Increased risk of complications.

What is a sign of hypomagnesaemia during clinical examination?

Seizures.

What is an important question regarding sheep diet when investigating lameness?

Any recent diet or management changes?