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SHEEP-fed-barely-sprouting-fodders, page : 115
Grass Tetany is caused by a deficiency of magnesium. Lactating ewes are often affected by this as are other sheep. When this deficiency occurs the sheep avoid the rest of the flock, their walk is changed it becomes stiff and unnatural, and they go off their feed. Sometime they may appear to be nervous, and twitch or stagger around. They may also lie down frequently only to get back up. In the later stages of grass tetany a sheep will lie flat on its side and pedal its legs in the air, and its breathing becomes difficult which is followed by convulsions and death.
Have your soil tested to ascertain the levels of magnesium, also potassium and nitrates. If your soil proves to be low in magnesium Grass Tetany will be worse in areas also having high levels of potassium or nitrates.
This disease is less likely to occur in sheep out to pasture having a good mix of legumes with grass, because these deep rooted plants help to bring magnesium up within the soil matrix.
Treatment of Grass Tetany:
The recommended treatment is 50 to 100 ml of a 50% saturated magnesium sulfate solution injected under the skin (subcutaneously).
If your area is an area in which Grass Tetany can occur provide a high magnesium, trace mineral, salt mixture formulated for sheep.
DISEASES CAUSED BY VIRUSES
Viruses can cause several disorders. With the exception of ovine progressive pneumonia, most of these disorders are not very often fatal in mature sheep, however, bluetongue can be fatal in lambs, and soremouth can be transmitted from animals to humans.
Bluetongue:
Gnats are carriers of this virus and bluetongue occurs during warm, wet weather when gnats are active.
The signs to look for in a sheep having contracted bluetongue are a high fever and inflammation of the mucous membranes, other signs include ulcerations around the lips, tongue and dental pad and crusty discharges from the nose. Although this is not often deadly in mature sheep, it can cause lamb birth defects if a ewe gets this disease during pregnancy. Because it is a viral infection, it must run its course however your veterinarian might advise antibiotics to prevent secondary infections.
Have your soil tested to ascertain the levels of magnesium, also potassium and nitrates. If your soil proves to be low in magnesium Grass Tetany will be worse in areas also having high levels of potassium or nitrates.
This disease is less likely to occur in sheep out to pasture having a good mix of legumes with grass, because these deep rooted plants help to bring magnesium up within the soil matrix.
Treatment of Grass Tetany:
The recommended treatment is 50 to 100 ml of a 50% saturated magnesium sulfate solution injected under the skin (subcutaneously).
If your area is an area in which Grass Tetany can occur provide a high magnesium, trace mineral, salt mixture formulated for sheep.
DISEASES CAUSED BY VIRUSES
Viruses can cause several disorders. With the exception of ovine progressive pneumonia, most of these disorders are not very often fatal in mature sheep, however, bluetongue can be fatal in lambs, and soremouth can be transmitted from animals to humans.
Bluetongue:
Gnats are carriers of this virus and bluetongue occurs during warm, wet weather when gnats are active.
The signs to look for in a sheep having contracted bluetongue are a high fever and inflammation of the mucous membranes, other signs include ulcerations around the lips, tongue and dental pad and crusty discharges from the nose. Although this is not often deadly in mature sheep, it can cause lamb birth defects if a ewe gets this disease during pregnancy. Because it is a viral infection, it must run its course however your veterinarian might advise antibiotics to prevent secondary infections.