sheep - clinical exam

Question 1

ewe vitals

Answer 1

38-39c, 60-120bpm, 12-72bpm

Question 2

lamb vitals

Answer 2

39-40c, 120-160bpm, 30-70bpm

Question 3

ewe BCS different systems

Answer 3

• Hill – 2 AYR – should not go back on hill at lower than 2, poor grazing makes it hard to put on condition
• Upland – 2 at weaning, 3 at tupping, 2.5 throughout pregnancy
• Lowland – 2.5 at weaning, 3.5 at tupping, 3 throughout pregnancy

Question 4

BCS benefits

Answer 4

higher % conception, reduced ewe mortality, bigger lambs, reduced lamb mortality, higher weaning weight, better quality colostrum and milk, better maternal behaviour

Question 5

lamb exam

Answer 5

 naval and joints
 check for hernia
 entropion
 signs of scours – staining, diarrhoea in pen, weakness, lethargy
 signs of pneumonia – coughing, nasal discharge, lethargy, poor growth
 check mouth – watery mouth (e coli)
 rectal temperature

Question 6

twin lamb

Answer 6

o Lethargy, depression and death
o Seen in late pregnancy or just after parturition – higher incidence in ewes carrying multiple lambs, or large lambs, or with lower BCS

Question 7

prolapse

Answer 7

o Vaginal or uterine
o Usually last month of pregnancy
o Causes – excess BCS, multiple lambs, high fibre diet, lack of exercise, breed or genetic disposition, age, history of prolapse
o Complications – infection, bladder rupture, vaginal wall damage, abortion, still births, ewe mortality
o Treatment – manual replacement, halter, culling

Question 8

dystocia signs

Answer 8

 Stage 1 –
* Restlessness, frequent lying down and standing up, trying to urinate, discharge visible uterine contractions
* 5 hours normal
 Stage 2 –
* Slow cervix dilation, weak uterine contractions, fetal distress (increased fetal HR), painful contractions without progress, malpresentation, maternal-fetal disproportion, ringwomb, prolapse, uterine torsion
* 1 hour normal

Question 9

dystocia causes

Answer 9

 Malpresention
 Disproportion
 Maternal pelvic issues
 Poor sire selection
 Uterine torsion
 Vaginal prolapse
 Pregnancy toxemia – twin lamb
 Mineral imbalance – hypocalcemia

Question 10

Ram MOT

Answer 10

o Toes – check locomotion, lameness
o Teeth – jaw asymmetry, abscess, able to eat well
o Testicles – firmness, lumps, symmetry
o Tone – bcs 3.5-4
o Treat – vaccinations, parasites, shearing, lameness
o Sperm analysis