[Jacob-list] Baking soda overdose?

[Johann Kuntz]

Hi everybody, my name is Johann and I've just joined the Jacob sheep list.  I've been learning a lot from the archives.

Has anyone else has experienced baking soda overdose in sheep?  Until recently, I had never given baking soda to any of my sheep.  I've seen free choice baking soda recommended by so many sources online, and the previous owner of my ram also recommended it as well, so a couple weeks ago I put out a tray of baking soda for my ewes and lambs.  They seemed to like it and over a period of days consumed it all.  Then a couple of days ago I sheared my ram for the first time.  After shearing him I decided to offer him some baking soda to see if he liked it.  I put out a tray full and then left him for a few minutes.  When I came back the baking soda was all gone.  I know he didn't spill it either, because there wasn't any on the ground.  I don't know exactly how much I put out as I didn't measure it thinking the sheep only eat a little as needed.  Anyways, when I checked on him he appeared to be shivering.  I thought he was cold from having his fleece removed, so I offered him some grain so he'd have extra calories to burn for heat.  However, he wouldn't eat.  He began to have muscle spasms and was very weak on his feet.  He fell down a number of times when trying to stand up, and he bashed his chest against a piece of wood when I tried to catch him.  It was very sad.  I couldn't find any information online about sheep overdosing on baking soda, so I thought maybe he was just so cold that he lost muscle coordination.  I put a blanket over him for the night, but he was still in horrible condition the next day.  This either went on for one or two days (I can't remember for sure cause I've been busy).  Yesterday I decided to give him about two tablespoons of mineral oil, because I thought there was no way he could be that cold.  It had to be the baking soda.  Probably within an hour of giving him the oil, he began to nibble at grass again.  He remained very weak with lots of muscle spasms through out the day, but he continued to regain his appetite.  This morning when I checked on him he seemed to have regained a lot of his strength.  I don't think he's near fully recovered, but definitely getting better.  I think he could have died if I did not give him the mineral oil.  I just don't understand why I could find no information online about sheep overdosing on baking soda.  Has anyone else had a similar experience?

Johann
 		 	   		  
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