I just had a ewe lamb born yesterday. Her knees seem a little swollen. She's nursing and up fine. This morning she was nibbling on the hay from her mom. Any answers ?

-- janet wise (recycling@ns.gemlink.com), February 20, 2002

Answers

It wouldn't hurt to get her a Vit.E /selenium shot. Especially if you are in a selenium deficient area, which is the case here in the Northeast. Here in New York, its a prescription medication which you will need to get from a vet. If you think its an injury, you can give one baby aspirin to reduce the swelling. If its just trauma from birth and the lamb is getting around alright, I think it should resolve itself. But it can't hurt to give the selenium. Weigh your lamb and give the vet the exact weight for the proper dosage. Too much selenium is bad too.

-- Kate henderson (kate@sheepyvalley.com), February 20, 2002.