We have a sick sheep.

We have a sick sheep. A ram. Indeed a ram lamb. Born last November. Until a few days ago he was healthy. As can be. Then he got shitty. Literally. Suddenly. Within 24 hours he was lagging behind his peers. A few hours later he was too weak to stand. He’s a dear little fellow. Worth saving. The initial treatment was a dose of drench – a liquid medicine to clean out the worms in his gut that caused the diarrhoea and sapped his strength. Weaners are less able than older animals to fight off worms – their immune systems are more immature. Next was a vitamin injection. Then a 3-4 times a day regimen of 30 ml of Vigest tonic [2], a lift onto his feet, a drink from the trough, and some Ewe & Lamb Pellets [3] to eat. Two days ago he had the strength to stand for only a couple of minutes. Yesterday he stood for 10 minutes. So he’s seemingly improving. But he’s not out of the proverbial woods yet. The drench works within a few hours. So the worms are gone. The questions are if his strength and nutrition have been depleted too far; and if he has the will to live. So far so good. On both counts. Yesterday I worked in Deloraine. But today I’m at home, so he’ll be getting intensive care. Sick animals bring out the rehabilitation physician in me. I hope he makes it through. He’s a dear little fellow.