My daughter has a 4-h project Suffolk Lamb that is due for fair in one month. Last month he was not to healthy and it was recommended that it was salt deficient. We have 2 lambs the other was fine. We've noticed he was going down hill. He now has swollen knees,a skinny neck, and thin hind quarters. Otherwise he's eating fine and does get up but not very active. This is our first time doing lambs. Any ideas? Thanks

-- David Lindow (lindow9X@ncweb.com), June 30, 2001

Answers

Is his legs long and he has alot of height. I would show the lamb to the people you bought it from and ask questions. I am sure some of you have thoughts on this being a suffolk, never saw spider but its out there. Please don't be alarm it could just be a mineral deficiency but if you have minerals and salt free choice I doub't it. Swollen knees, maybe he has an infection which I would give an antiflammatory prescribtion. Being this is your first time I would call a vet. Good Luck to you and your daughter. I raise club lambs that are suffolk myself (love those darling black faces).

-- Debbie (bwolcott@cwis.net), June 30, 2001.

If the legs are longer than the rest, I would also suspect spider syndrome. This happens in Suffolks. I had one several years ago as a 4-H member. Thought from birth he would be something fantastic. I eventually sold the ram and ewe he was out of and did not breed any of the sires lambs. That eliminated spider from my flock. It is a genetic characteristic. Have a vet take a look. If it is spider, kill it, and let the breeder know.

-- Terri Perry (teperry@stargate.net), July 01, 2001.

Terry, I have been raising suffolks for several years now and have never seen a spider. I am worried about it because there has been some inbreeding in my animals and I have never tested for such. Can you tell us if the meat is okay on spiders. I understand while you would destroy the parents for further breeding but is there a problem other than a deformed lamb that will probably die on it own. thanks,Debbie

-- Debbie (bwolcott@cwis.net), July 02, 2001.