Sheep special: Key diseases for ewes and lambs at lambing time

This is an infection of the navel or joints which is caused by different bacteria.

Mr Greer says in the first few days of life the infection is connected to hygiene.

“The main signs to look for are that the lamb is dull, that one or more joints may be swollen and the navel is wet and swollen.”

He explains that treatment involves antibiotics and anti-inflammatories:“An antibiotic spray may also be used on the navels.

"If a lamb is a severe case, then a veterinary surgeon will be required to drain and flush any infected areas.

“Prevention comes down to having good hygiene during lambing season, to ensure enough colostrum has been taken and to make sure that the navel is covered with a strong iodine solution, as soon as possible, after the lamb has been born.”

Mr Greer says a ewe’s health is also important during lambing, with problems arising from twin lamb disease, hypocalcaemia, and vaginal prolapse.

He says twin lamb disease, also known as pregnancy toxaemia affects the ewe in very late pregnancy. It occurs due to inadequate energy intake by the ewe to meet the ever-changing energy requirements of their growing unborn.

“The ewe will become lethargic, show a lack of appetite and may appear blind. If the ewe has pregnancy toxaemia then an oral propylene glycol should be given, alongside good quality feeds.

“Prevention of twin lamb disease can be given by correct nutrition in the last months of pregnancy, and condition scoring to predict the ewe’s requirements.”

Mr Greer says hypocalcaemia occurs after a period of stress and is caused by low levels of blood calcium.

He says: “Milk fever can be confused with twin lamb disease but the treatment for both is very different, even though it can co-exist with twin lamb disease. My best advice is to treat for both.

“Becoming unsteady on their feet, muscle weakness, an increased respiratory rate and bloating can be signs that a ewe has milk fever. Treatment for a ewe should be an injection of calcium. Response to this is normally rapid.”

He adds that avoiding stressors in late pregnancy, for example worming or vaccinating, can help prevent milk fever.

A vaginal prolapse is a protrusion of the vagina that occurs before lambing and Mr Greer says the risk of the ewe getting a prolapse depends on factors such as being overweight and ewes which are carrying multiple lambs.

“The treatment of a prolapse involves washing the area thoroughly and inspecting for damage.

Gently try to push the prolapse back into place. If this is unsuccessful, then a veterinary surgeon may need to replace the prolapse, and stitch it in place.

“Prevention of a vaginal prolapse, requires avoiding the ewe from getting overweight and culling any ewes that have already prolapsed.