Our yearling ewe was due 4 days ago. She has been alternately pawing the ground and laying down for 2 days. She eats a tiny bit of grain if we put it right in front of her but will not graze in the pasture at all. She looks alert and can get up and walk around. Her haunches look a bit sunken in. I noticed her arching her back once last night and once this morning. Her udder is quite pink and full. Is this all normal? I expected when this behavior began tuesday that she'd deliver soon. She has no discharge at all. How much longer should I expect this to go on? Does this indicate any problem?

-- Susan Brandon (Brandonfarm@aol.com), May 02, 2002

Answers

Susan, I would get the vet in right away if you are like me and lack experience. Her water may already have broken and you didn't notice it and now the lamb is stuck. Have the vet show you how to check inside her and how to give shots. You sure don't want a pregnant ewe off her feed for too long. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

-- Kathy (homefarmbc@pacificcoast.net), May 02, 2002.

Particularlly if your sure of the due date it sounds as if the ewe is having problems. Kathy is quite right the vet can teach you better than can be described. If your unable to get a vet, at least get some help to hold or maybe an experienced neighbor? Clean hands for a start, some use plastic gloves I personally can't hold onto anything wearing gloves. You might try to leave your hand and arm a bit soapy (not detergent) for lubrication as well. See if her cervix is dialated. There is a condition called ring womb where it won't (and that's your problem) For now assume it has, see if you can feel a lamb's head or front legs. You'll want to pull on front legs so carefully try to shuffle the lamb around so you can. You may want to let the ewe switch sides or even stand (though from standing you'll not get far though) to help get things lined up. Be gentle with strength? You want to ease the head and front legs out together but feet first. If her cervix is not dialated try to stretch it open slowly with your fingers, do not use oxytocin until it is fully dialated. If you can't get far (try for about half an hour), the vet call is your best bet, she may need a C section. Remember a vet should be a problem solver and a teacher too. Ask questions!

-- Ross (amulet@istar.ca), May 02, 2002.

The above advice is right on. I just want to reinforce the idea that the ewe is in trouble. She should have delivered the first day you noticed her pawing the ground and/or going off feed.

-- Dianne Wood (woodgoat@pacifier.com), May 02, 2002.

We lost a lamb in a similar situation this year. Yearling ewe, we found her in the morning with the head of the lamb sticking out. When we felt inside, one front leg was turned wrong - she would never have delivered the lamb without our help. The lamb was dead, but so far, ewe is ok, with some sulfa bolus and PenG shots for infection. That was 3 weeks ago, so I'm hoping the ewe will be ok.

When they are pawing and laying down, they are in labor! Birth should happen within about 3 hours or less from when they start doing that. Get some help for her if you can, good luck!

-- Karen (karen@kabri.net), May 02, 2002.