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SHEEP-fed-barely-sprouting-fodders, page : 179
Treatment of the umbilical cord:
This will require a 7% tincture of iodine solution, a small, wide-mouthed plastic jar.
1. Snip the umbilical cord to just about 2 inches (5 cm) long using either a sterile blunt pair of scissors or a sterile blunt knife, we stress the word "blunt" because being blunt will reduce the chance of bleeding.
2. Hold the lamb so the remaining umbilical cord hangs into the container containing the iodine solution – make sure the cord is submerged.
3. Press the container against the belly of the lamb.
4. Turn the lamb up so that the entire cord and surround area are covered.
To prevent the risk of bacteria entering via the navel the application of iodine is important and should be applied as soon after birth as possible. The iodine will penetrate the cord and disinfect it. Iodine has a strong smell and if you happened to spill it on the lamb, or have used it excessively it may mask the lamb's natural odor and this may cause the ewe to reject her lamb, because she will not think it is hers.
If the cord is not cut to the proper length, some ewes will try to nibble at it and this can cause injury to the lamb.
After the first application of iodine, treat the lamb again 12 hours later.
Large Head or Shoulders:
Even if the lamb is in the right position, the pelvic opening of the ewe may be too small to accommodate a large lamb or one with a large head, or shoulders.
There are times when the shoulders are large and are stopped by the pelvic opening. Should this occur, use a gentle outward and downward pulling action. Pull to the right or the left, so the shoulders go through at more of an angle and ease the situation.
This will require a 7% tincture of iodine solution, a small, wide-mouthed plastic jar.
1. Snip the umbilical cord to just about 2 inches (5 cm) long using either a sterile blunt pair of scissors or a sterile blunt knife, we stress the word "blunt" because being blunt will reduce the chance of bleeding.
2. Hold the lamb so the remaining umbilical cord hangs into the container containing the iodine solution – make sure the cord is submerged.
3. Press the container against the belly of the lamb.
4. Turn the lamb up so that the entire cord and surround area are covered.
To prevent the risk of bacteria entering via the navel the application of iodine is important and should be applied as soon after birth as possible. The iodine will penetrate the cord and disinfect it. Iodine has a strong smell and if you happened to spill it on the lamb, or have used it excessively it may mask the lamb's natural odor and this may cause the ewe to reject her lamb, because she will not think it is hers.
If the cord is not cut to the proper length, some ewes will try to nibble at it and this can cause injury to the lamb.
After the first application of iodine, treat the lamb again 12 hours later.
Large Head or Shoulders:
Even if the lamb is in the right position, the pelvic opening of the ewe may be too small to accommodate a large lamb or one with a large head, or shoulders.
There are times when the shoulders are large and are stopped by the pelvic opening. Should this occur, use a gentle outward and downward pulling action. Pull to the right or the left, so the shoulders go through at more of an angle and ease the situation.