[Jacob-list] Polio

[Katherine Wisor]

   Lambing is over for me.  15 total  last count .   He was taken  
well by his mother until one week of age. She has been bred many  
times with no problem  I don't think colostrum is a issue.  He is  
alert, just flaccid hide end first.   Plus I've done this for years  
and had many animals never given colostrum  with long healthy lives.  
Some have lived to 12-15 years with no problem.    Hypoglycemia  is  
not the problem , no other s/s .  Dr Bob said give no B complex .  I  
have both here .    I have not  seen WMD. BUT may be looking at it  
now.   Funny he was fine with the first treatment for about 4 days.   
THEN  relapse,  plus.   They have a mineral block in the pasture.   I  
gave him 2 cc B  , 2 of Thiamine,  2 of Dextrometasone this  
morning.   I don't have Selenium .  I'll call tomorrow during work   
and ask my Vet.      My down fall as a farmer is culling. I try to do  
that at a young age by selling as a only "child"  or neutering the  
males.     I also can say "never say never"  the ewe , Llama , goat  
etc seems to plan amongst themselves  to give you  what ever  
experience you're missing from you portfolio  !   This lamb may need  
to be put down but that what my X said he is here to help with !     
The lamb I'm raising is from  a jacob mix 12 years old never a  
problem , She just forgot she had TWO babies this time.  Timber is  
under my feet sleeping as I write.  Can't wait to have to explain to  
her  she is a SHEEP  not a Doberman...    Thanks for your  help...  
PS  I left him at Jeff house tonight so he won't need to be dragged  
from one house to another while I work 12 hours  .  Jeff is aware for  
the need to reposition  often .  No sign of Pneumonia  and he is  
taking a bottle well. Just paralyzed (  A paraplegic) !   I just  
don't see a positive outcome.  If he lives I will neuter him.    I'll  
let you know if we find the cause and PERMANENT solution >   
Gratefully >  Katherine
www.creeksendfarm.com

Katherine Wisor RN
  400 Dawn Circle
Charlotte, NC, 28213
Phone: 704-598-8373

On Jan 31, 2006, at Tue 31 7:37 AM, Paintedrockfarm at aol.com wrote:

> Katherine,
>
> I've not heard of polio in sheep and my Merck doesn't list it  
> either.  The fact that you lamb responded to "sugar" makes it sound  
> like a possible hypoglycemic issue as well.  That is common in  
> lambs not eating well or those rejected by their dam.  Their blood  
> sugar drops so low it induces a comatose state and the paralysis  
> you described.  Of course, there are other cases that reflect  
> similar symptoms which can complicate the diagnosis process.
>
> We've never had a bottle lamb in our Jacobs from flat out  
> rejection.  I offered a supplement to a set of twins whose older  
> mother only had milk on one side -- we did not breed the ewe again  
> but it should be noted she never rejected either lamb.  It was  
> merely our choice to supplement since we felt the smaller lamb  
> would benefit.  If we ever had a case of rejection other than from  
> an unusual even at birth, we would cull the ewe.
>
> From my experience with sheep and in the veterinary field, it  
> sounds like you may be dealing with a case of white muscle  
> disease.  WMD can be treated with Selenium injection (also contains  
> Vit.E) and you may want to consider treating your ewes before  
> lambing continues.  If your area is deficient in this mineral,  
> check your supplements to insure it contains enough of it as a  
> trace mineral.  Our area is classified by our county extension  
> office as being selenium deficient but our mineral supplement  
> easily corrects this.  Most loose mineral is sufficient and works  
> best but blocks often lack enough of this element.
>
> As for Vitamin B, it is generally readily available at any farm  
> store.  Because it is a water soluble vitamin, there is little  
> worry about overdose.  I personally prefer the B-complex over a  
> straight B-6 or B-12 type. I have two different brands, one which  
> lists a 1-2ml dosing while the other says up to 5ml daily.  It is a  
> "stress" vitamin and even reflects a sedative effect when used in  
> higher doses.  It is common to administer this vitamin to sheep at  
> shows, before traveling or the like.
>
> I hope your little lamb improves and you can treat him  
> successfully.  Good luck!
>
> Cheryl
>
> If the mother rejected the lamb(s), another concern would have been  
> for adequate colostrum consumption at birth.  A lamb's ability to  
> absorb nutrients and antibodies decrease by the hour following  
> birth and once 24 hours have passed, the lamb cannot even absorb  
> any needed antibodies from colostrum.  This can be a serious issue  
> as the lamb grows, making him susceptible to disease.
>
> Mike & Cheryl Terrano
> Painted Rock Farm
> Route 4 Box 726
> Buckhannon, WV 26201-9205
> (304) 457-6620
> paintedrockfarm at aol.com
> Breeders of Registered Jacob Sheep & French Angora Rabbits

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