Julian Hale
Wed, 07 Sep 2005 23:44:04 -0700
Here's what Storey's Guide to raising sheep says:If you're watching a lamb that appears to be straining, and unable to urinate, put him on a dry floor for a couple of hours. Unless there is a blockage, he will ordinarily urinate in that time. Turn the lamb up, and feel for a small stone that can be worked gently down the urinary passage. Sometimes manipulation of a small catheter tube (from the drugstore) dislodges the stone.
Vets say that nine times out of ten, the plugging is at the outer end of the urethra, so if you can feel the stone right at the end you may be able to dislodge it with gentle pressure. If the passage is cleared and urine spurts out, stop the flow two or three times. It is possible for the bladder to rupture if it is emptied too quickly. If the stone can not be dislodged, the vet may administer a smooth-muscle relaxer, which has a dilating action that allows the calculi to pass, or remove the stone surgically.
Any of the following can contribute to calculi:Low water intake due to cold weather or unpalatable water. Feed free choice salt to stimulate drinking.
Ration that has excessive phosphorus or potassium - like beet pulp, wheat bran, and corn fodder - but is low in Vit. A. Correct by adding ground limestone or dicalcium phosphate, 1 or 2 percent of the ration, to make the Ca:Ph ratio approx. 2:1.
Growing crops by using a heavy fertilizer with high nitrate content. Interferes w/ Vit. A
Hard water, can be corrected by adding ammonium chloride to the ration, ~ 1/5 ounce/head/day.
Feeding of *only* pelleted feed. UC seldom develop in lambs who receive 20% alfalfa.
Hormonal changes that occur when ram lambs are castrated at less than 4 weeks of age. The absence of testosterone after castration keeps the urethra from growing to it's maximum diameter. If you have a persistent problem with your wethers, try castrating after six weeks.
Feeding sorghum based rations. Cottonseed meal and milo also increase the risk for calculi. Corn and soybean meal are less apt to cause problems.
So I'd say feel for calculi, but if you can't find one, or can't dislodge it, call the vet immediately. Either go straight there, or have him/her come over as quickly as possible. If it doesn't come out, his bladder can burst and he would likely die an extremely painful death. Even if the vet managed to save him at that point, it would be painful and expensive. I Hope everything works out for the best.
Julian At 10:15 PM 9/7/2005, you wrote:
Seeking advice for my ram. He is very lethargic. When he stands he stretches like he needs to urinate, but nothing happens. His tail sticks straight out and he wiggles it rapidly. He is normally very skittish, but now just lays there and lets us touch him. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.Thank You, Kyla Robbins Auburn, WA.
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