Hi Stephanie, I have splint lambs with success using PVC pipe and duck tape. My ewe's leg that was broke was up high in the thigh/flank area. Her leg did an awkward flop when she walked. She pretty much did not use it to get around with choosing to be three legged. I had really planned on getting rid of her after she lambed but she just kept getting the job done.
I have never splint an adult sheep. Maybe others will be more knowledgeable. If I were to do it I would set the bone as straight as possible. Put sticks that are strong enough to support the ewe's weight on both sides and start wrapping with duck tape. The sticks need to extend just past the hoove so the weight is supported above the break. Don't expect her to use the leg much at all. You may have to help her up and down for a while. Also, I would revisit the splint frequently enough to know that the circulation and such remains OK. Feed her really well and keep her moving everyday. I would not give her pain killer unless she needs it to keep her moral up. The pain will help remind her not to use the leg. Hopefully she isn't a "wild thing" and will remain calm allowing you to assist her recovery. You might want to hand feed her while she is hurt. You will have a friend for life with a little corn! I have seen some amazing healing by sheep. Mark -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Stephanie Jones Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2006 9:12 PM To: blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info Subject: Re: [blackbelly] HELP --Broke leg!!! OK Mark, Need some info-- Yes, she seems to want to make it. :) Did you split your ewes hind leg? If so , how? Do you think I can give her anything for pain? I hate to see her hurting. It is a complete fracture of the hind leg above the hop, as you can see the bone gouging the skin from inside. It did not break the skin though. I'm thankful for any thing that you can do to help us out. I do not feel we have a feeding problem as Helmut suggested. I confident that she broke her leg tryiing to outrun a dog. She probably cut-back to quickly and slipped on the wet ground (rain) because of her weight. Stephanie ----- Original Message ----- From: "The Wintermutes" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info> Sent: Tuesday, January 31, 2006 9:57 AM Subject: Re: [blackbelly] HELP --Broke leg!!! _______________________________________________ This message is from the blackbelly mailing list Visit the list's homepage at blackbelly@lists.blackbellysheep.info http://lists.blackbellysheep.info/listinfo.cgi/blackbelly-blackbellysheep.info
