[Jacob-list] diarrhea in sheep

[Linda]

Giardia is a common concern around here and the vet did mention it, especially since we water the sheep from the creek.  The treatment is safeguard for three days. He thought that the sulfamethazine was the best treatment to start with, as he saw no evidence of giardia. But, it is still a possibility, even though it's only one ewe out of 22.  As you say, some animals can be more susceptible.  I have to look up cyprtosporidium, as I'm unfamiliar with that.

The article did say that none of Karen's Jacobs ever tested positive for Johne's. I've had sheep from her flock before and wish I had more!

Olivia's stools are much firmer this morning. She was happily chewing her cud when I went out this morning. I grabbed to be make an allover check to be sure she is not "wasting".  She's a bit on the chubby side (like where is that backbone)

Linda
 
www.patchworkfibers.com
Registered Jacob Sheep, Angora Rabbits, Handspun YarnIf you test for Johnes- use the ELISA test rather than the CF or AGID test.  It's a slightly better test.  We use the tests frequently at work (cattle) and while we do get a few false positives with the ELISA, we get more false negatives with the other tests.  And a Johnes Fecal only indicates if the animal is shedding at the time of sampling- unless you have the lab run a PCR on all samples (positive or negative).  This would pick up any dead organisms that are in the feces.

What about Cryptosporidium or Giardia spp?  Some animals are more susceptible than others.

http://www.organic-vet.reading.ac.uk/Sheepweb/disease/crypt/crypt1.htm

Karen's animals are now all healthy and well!  I have some of her ewes- the oldest one lambed this spring at age 11!

  Shel

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