Other peri-parturient ewe disease Flashcards
When is a caesarean contraindicated in sheep?
If there is a rotten lamb or smelly fluids (embryotomy or euthanasia only)
What position should a sheep be in for a caesarean?
Right lateral recumbency
Caesareans can be performed under an inverted L or paravertebral block with procaine and a epidural with xylazine. What materials would you use to suture the layers with?
Uterus, peritoneum and muscle - cat gut
Skin - nylon (requires removal)
What are the 2 most common pathogens associated with mastitis and where are they found?
Staph aureus - teat skin
Manneheimia haemolytica - lambs’ mouth
How is mastitis diagnosed?
Milk sample bacteriology
Give examples of risk factors for mastitis
Udder conformation Teat lesions Concurrent disease Older ewes Prolificacy Poor nutrition
What is the treatment for acute mastitis?
Stripping to remove toxins Antibiotics (amoxicillin or ideally based on C&S) IVFT NSAIDs Supportive care for lamb and ewe
What is the treatment for gangrenous mastitis?
PTS (poor prognosis)
What is the treatment for chronic mastitis?
Cull ewe
Metritis is usually due to dystocia or following an abortion. What opportunistic pathogen is usually indicated?
Clostridium tetani
What is the treatment for metritis?
Antibiotics
NSAIDs
Supportive care
(prognosis poor)
Vaginal prolapse is common in the last 4 weeks of pregnancy. List 3 risk factors
Prolific breeds - Blue faced Leicester History of prolapses Obesity Hypocalcaemia Poor stocking rates Lack of exercise Sloping fields - pressure on pelvic floor
What are the treatment options for a mild vaginal prolapse and give a disadvantage for each
Retention devices - irritate mucosa
Harness - cause pressure sores
(with NSAIDs, long acting antibiotics)
What is the treatment for a severe vaginal prolapse?
Surgery under epidural (sacrococcygeal or 1st intercoccygeal) with procaine or xylazine
(with NSAIDs, antibiotics, removing sutures prior to lambing)
How are rectal prolapses treated in sheep?
Replace under epidural and purse string suture
+/- amputation if non-viable
