Homemade Electrolyte Solution For Lambs? Top Answer Update

We’re not pinching this lamb for misbehaving, we’re checking to see if it’s dehydrated. Find out why below.

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Something to watch out for this lambing season… Dehydrated lambs can easily become dead lambs – resulting in fewer pounds produced and less $$ in your pocket. It’s easy to miss, so be aware.

Pinch the skin along the back. Signs a lamb might be dehydrated: • Lean or not well filled. • When a twin, triplet, etc. and their siblings appear healthier and stronger. To determine if a lamb is dehydrated— • Pinch the skin on the back. After pinching: 1. If the skin lies flat, the lamb is not dehydrated. 2. If the skin temporarily remains tight or pointed, the lamb is dehydrated. Immediately give the lamb a hose of milk and consult your veterinarian for proper treatment. After pinching: If the skin remains temporarily tight or pointy, the lamb is dehydrated. Treat the lamb immediately (ask your vet for the proper procedure). Causes of dehydration: • Diarrhea. • The ewe lacks enough milk to feed the lamb(s). • Larger/stronger siblings outperform their siblings by milk. • Lamb has sharp teeth to prevent the ewe from eating it. If a lamb appears unhealthy but is not dehydrated, contact your veterinarian.

Revive/Rescue Dehydrated Lambs A little effort and a few extra minutes in the lamb pen can bring a downed lamb back off the brink. Here are some ways to nurse lambs back to health.

Use a Bulb to Hydrate a Lamb Some lambs that do not already have a nipple or lack the energy to drink may need to be fed using a syringe and hose. DO’S and DON’T’S: • Avoid using the plunger to push the milk into your stomach. We’ll run it in by gravity. • Never use dirty hoses or syringes. If possible, wash after each use. • Syringes and hoses wear out without warning. So buy a replacement in good time. • Do not tube a lamb or kid that is too cool to lift its head. Warm it up first. • Dip the end of the tube in milk (to lubricate) before inserting. How to Fling a Lamb ►

Alternatives to hand milking Ewes have small teats that are difficult to milk by hand. A Udderly EZ Milker takes some of the stress out of milking by doing the work for you. A few pump strokes create a seal that allows the teat valve to open and release milk. The flow is not fast, but it is effective. Udderly EZ™ Milker ►

Pulling off teats Wax can accumulate at the end of the teat in the winter cold. Pull the teat (normal milking motion) to clear the blockage.

Repair Sharp Teeth If the ewe rejects the lamb, it may be due to sharp teeth (which injure soft teats). A few strokes with a tooth file should remove any sharp edges. tooth file ►

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Diaproof® Pro is a special electrolyte supplement for calves, lambs, kids and foals. It is indicated to support physiological digestion by stabilizing water and electrolyte balance during periods of or recovery from diarrhea. Oral rehydration therapy is an important part of treating calf diarrhea because it provides energy and helps stabilize electrolytes and acidosis. Diaproof Pro contains ingredients that not only correct electrolyte imbalance and acidosis, but also slow stool passage and change stool consistency.

One sachet mixes easily with 2 liters of warm water and should be fed three times, 12 hours apart.

Product links in this section are affiliate links. It doesn’t cost you anything and will help you get the free information on this site and answer the “What brand do you use?” questions. Please note that I would personally never recommend a product that I would not use in my own family.

It has to happen every winter.

Those sad little glassy eyes wake up and pout “Mom…I’m not feeling well”.

We certainly don’t live in a bubble, and as hard as I work to build up the girls’ immune systems to fight off the bugs efficiently, once or twice a winter the immune systems have to clean the house and we have a bug sweeper. (Love THIS post on why this is a good thing!)

I firmly believe in listening to our children when they are sick

If they don’t feel like eating, that’s fine with me. Let their bodies use energy to fight infection instead of digesting food! But they need to stay hydrated in order for their organs and immune system to do their job.

A better hydrating choice with real food ingredients

While mineral-rich bone broth is always my first drink offering, even my girls who like bone broth probably won’t be sipping it all day. A few years ago, when my first daughter caught her first cold, I had a quick freak out at the ingredient list on Pedialyte Island and decided I’d just make my own. A mixture of cleansing lemon and energizing raw honey was well received by my little one. And the sea salt packed a mineral punch that kept her electrolytes balanced as she battled her first cold.

Just shake it up in the glass prep!

Over the last 2 years I’ve established the ingredient amounts I like to use – AND made it an efficient and quick process. This mom of 3 doesn’t have much time to mess around with mixing, measuring and heating. This recipe involves literally dumping the ingredients in a pint mason jar and shaking it. Finished.

A few notes!

This recipe makes a pint mason jar perfect. My girls are younger and usually don’t drink more than that amount in a day when they’re sick. It’s a nice amount to sip in small amounts throughout the day. If you have older children or use it for yourself while sick, you can double, triple or more in a pitcher. When I make it for myself I double it in a mason jar.

When I make it for myself I double it in a mason jar. Make the mixture into popsicles! Also perfect for a sore throat! (And may I add teething toddlers?!)

Also perfect for a sore throat! Since most of the immune system resides in the gut, I also like to add probiotics to the jar if I couldn’t get them any other way during the day.

into the glass if I haven’t gotten it any other way during the day. I have one of these super easy lemon squeezers – it’s fast enough for the busy mom!

– These elderberry popsicles are another great idea to have on hand during an illness.

are another great idea to have on hand during an illness. For more information on how to deal with flu symptoms, see THIS POST.

When the kid’s tummies are craving solid food again, here’s a great post tummy bug recovery smoothie to get the gut back on solid food.

Please note that this drink is not suitable for babies under 1 year old due to the raw honey and the acidity of the lemons. Babies under 1 year old should be breastfed as much as possible during the illness, and if the baby is not breastfed, you can use coconut water to keep them hydrated.

Print Recipe 4.96 out of 23 votes DIY Electrolyte Drink When your family isn’t feeling well, make this to get them back on their feet asap. Prep Time 5 minutes Total Time 5 minutes Servings: 2 servings Author: Renee – www.raisinggenerationnourished.com Ingredients 1 ½-2 cups water

juice of ½ lemon

1/8 to 1/4 tsp real sea salt Himalayan salt or Celtic sea salt

2 tsp raw honey is a good local brand if possible, or THIS is a good brand Instructions Place everything in a lidded jar and shake well to combine. This recipe fits perfectly in a mason jar.

Store in the fridge for up to a week.

Other natural health posts you may like:

Baking soda consists of two electrolytes. One of them – sodium – is known for its vital role in the body as well as its potential to cause high blood pressure. The other electrolyte – bicarbonate – helps neutralize acids in your body. If you’re using baking soda for anything other than cooking, be aware that it’s quite high in sodium and can cause side effects.

Electrolyte Basics

Some of the minerals you consume are called electrolytes because they break down into particles that can carry an electrical charge throughout your body. Electrolytes trigger muscle contractions, stimulate nerve impulses, and help keep your heart pumping. They also regulate the acid-base balance in your body and affect the movement of fluids in and out of cells.

The chemical name of baking soda is sodium bicarbonate. The two components break apart to form electrolytes. Other nutrients that are important electrolytes are potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphate.

Sodium regulates body fluids

Like other electrolytes, sodium plays a role in muscle and nerve function, but its primary role is to regulate the amount of fluid in your body, including blood volume. When you eat too much sodium, the kidneys hold onto fluids instead of excreting them through the urine. The extra water increases blood volume, which increases blood pressure.

When you lose more fluid than normal through excessive sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting, you also lose sodium. Sports drinks contain sodium to replace what is lost through sweating. Some formulas recommended for rehydrating people when they’re sick — called oral rehydration solutions — have baking soda in the mix.

Bicarbonate buffers acids

Bicarbonate is the key player in one of the body’s buffer systems. The job of the bicarbonate buffering system is to prevent liquids from becoming too acidic by neutralizing acids.

Since bicarbonate also neutralizes stomach acid, baking soda is used as an antacid. It can also be prescribed to treat stomach ulcers or make blood and urine more alkaline, reports PubMed Health.

Sodium bicarbonate is sometimes recommended for improving muscle performance because it balances acids that build up with prolonged activity. Research to date has produced conflicting results, but a study in the February 2015 issue of the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that sodium bicarbonate improved performance during intense arm crank exercise.

health warnings

If you’re pregnant or have kidney disease, heart disease, liver disease, or high blood pressure, talk to your doctor before using baking soda to make sure it’s safe.

Just 1 teaspoon of baking soda provides 80 percent of your daily sodium intake. That much sodium can reach dangerous levels when baking soda is mixed with water and used by athletes or as an antacid.

You know you should hydrate. You know sweat is salty and you should probably give some of it back to your body after a good run. But the choice of electrolyte powders and drinks can be overwhelming AND expensive. So why not make your own DIY electrolyte powder for just pennies?

Traditional sports drinks like Gatorade replace lost electrolytes, but they’re also loaded with sugar and artificial unpronounceables.

Nuun is a cool product that dissolves in water like an Alka Seltzer and doesn’t have any added sugar, but the original formula was sweetened with acesulfame potassium, which could be carcinogenic. Newer versions of Nuun contain monk fruit as a sweetener, which is natural but its safety has been poorly tested. Even though it is completely safe and natural, it is very expensive when used regularly!

I received a supply of Nuun tablets from runners at a white elephant Christmas party last year (along with some mini bottles to create my own Nuun cocktails!) and I really enjoyed them. But when I was looking to replenish my stash, I got a bit of a sticker shock and decided to figure out how to make them myself.

The main ingredients in Nuun or any other electrolyte replacement are sodium, potassium and magnesium. (Calcium is also added, but in a tiny amount.) Undoubtedly the most important ingredient is sodium.

Researchers have found that sodium is the only thing you need during an endurance workout like a marathon. The rest can wait for later and comes from real food.

Here’s how most of Nuun’s flavors are made up: 360g Sodium, 100g Potassium, 25g Magnesium, 13g Calcium.

The formula I came up with is 372.5g sodium, 87.5g potassium and 30g magnesium. (For now, I’m skipping the calcium. I usually take a calcium pill at night before bed, and that’s probably enough. I guess I could crush a calcium pill if I really wanted to, but I’m not concerned about that.)

It’s so easy and cheap to make your own DIY electrolyte powder! Did I mention cheap?

Get out your little measuring spoons and be amazed by the simplicity!

Add the mixture to half a liter of cold water and you have a refreshing, slightly salty thirst quencher. If you need a little extra flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon or lime juice, or mix it with an herbal tea instead. If you need even more flavor and carbs, try apple, orange, grape, or cherry juice. Another idea is to try a spritz of some of the water boosters on the market. I’m usually so thirsty after a run that I don’t need flavors.

I make one batch for the week and keep it in a pill container. You can use contact lens cases or any other small case you can think of. I find it easier to do this once a week than measuring after every run.

Three cheap, cheap ingredients: baking soda, Epsom salt, and Morton’s Lite Salt. That’s it!!

So why do I use baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) instead of salt (sodium chloride)? Well, there is a little bit of salt in the Lite Salt, but the main reason is that baking soda is a base and is used to neutralize acidity in the body (remember those baking soda and vinegar volcanoes you made in elementary school? ). Chloride is also important, but bicarbonate is “the star of the show” when it comes to restoring electrolyte balance.

And taken in the right dose before a race, baking soda is a proven performance enhancer. cool right?

A word of warning, if you overdo it with baking soda or magnesium your GI system will be upset, so try to use electrolyte solutions (mine and everyone else’s) in the measured doses until you know how it affects your individual affects bodywork.

Try it out and let me know what you think!

Looking for a great vegan race fuel recipe? Try my popular UCAN alternative!

Claire Bartholic Homemade Hydration: DIY Nuun Electrolyte Replacement An easy homemade electrolyte replacement for pennies! Save Recipe Save Recipe Print Recipe My Recipes My Lists My Calendar Ingredients 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (307 mg sodium)

1/16 teaspoon Morton’s Lite Salt (87.5 mg potassium and 72.5 mg sodium)

1/16 teaspoon Epsom salt (30 mg magnesium)

optional flavor such as juice, tea, stevia, or water enhancer Instructions Measure directly into 16 ounces of cold still or carbonated water or other beverage. Notes 372.5mg Sodium 87.5mg Potassium 30mg Magnesium 7.8.1.2 14 https://theplantedrunner.com/homemade-hydratation-diy-nuun-electrolyte-powder/

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Question:

Which of the following is a strong electrolyte? (a) vinegar (b) sugar (c) sodium chloride (d) carbon tetrachloride (e) honey

Electrolyte and non-electrolyte:

Electrolytes are salts that completely dissociate in water and are able to conduct electricity due to the free movement of ions allowing charge to flow. On the other hand, non-electrolytes are compounds that do not ionize at all in a solution and are linked by covalent rather than ionic bonds, making them unavailable for conducting electricity.

Answer and explanation: 1

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If you’ve ever felt overly fatigued after an outdoor run, or noticed a decrease in your ability to recover well from your workout, there’s a good chance you’re actually noticing signs of dehydration. Dehydration occurs when your body loses more water than you take in, leading to uncomfortable symptoms like dizziness, poor concentration, and muscle cramps. The body is made up of 60% water, much of which is used up daily through sweat and dehydration. Many people forget to replenish this vital fluid during their daily routines, leading to ongoing discomfort and potentially dangerous health conditions. Read more to discover the best natural ingredients to add to water to stay hydrated throughout the day.

The importance of electrolytes

Electrolytes are minerals and salts, including potassium, sodium, and calcium. These important electrolytes, vital to your body’s muscle and nerve function, are depleted from the body through dehydration that often occurs with rigorous exercise, illness and extreme heat conditions. Replenishing electrolytes by regularly consuming fortified beverages or foods can lower blood pressure, reduce stress levels, and improve your ability to recover from strenuous exercise.

5 ways to add electrolytes to your water

Dehydration and electrolyte depletion can be difficult to combat when you have a busy schedule. Drinking tap water seems like a good solution, but most tap water doesn’t actually contain the minerals and salts necessary to fully replenish your electrolyte levels. Incorporating nutrient-dense foods into your diet can be an excellent source of these vital ions, but whether you’re at school, at work, or traveling, these foods aren’t always readily available. Adding fruits and natural ingredients to a portable water bottle before you start your day can be a convenient and tasty way to replenish those electrolytes without having to worry about cooking a meal.

sea-salt

Salt can be added to water in small amounts to increase electrolyte levels. Most people know that salt contains sodium, but in fact it also contains the minerals potassium, calcium and magnesium. The best salts to use to improve your water are sea salt and Himalayan pink salt, as they are less processed than regular table salt. Add a pinch of either option to a small splash of water for a post-workout Pick Me, or to a cup of water for a more diluted flavor.

coconut water

Coconut water is nature’s most nutritious beverage. The liquid and electrolytes in coconut water contain high levels of potassium, magnesium, and sodium, making it an incredibly powerful drink during or after physical exercise. Coconut water is also an alkaline liquid, meaning drinking just one bottle can help balance any acidic pH levels in the body.

Ginger

Adding ginger to water can be another great way to increase your electrolyte intake. You can infuse your water with ginger by crushing or chopping the root, adding your liquid of choice, and letting sit for a few hours or overnight for a stronger flavor. Ginger not only contains calcium and magnesium, but can also support the immune system and intestinal health through vitamin C.

watermelon

Watermelon juice or watermelon chunks can also be added to water to prevent electrolyte depletion and create a delicious summer flavor. Watermelon is high in magnesium and potassium, along with trace amounts of calcium and phosphorus, making it one of the best fruits for electrolytes to add to your diet. Watermelon also contains L-citrulline, an amino acid that may enhance athletic performance by increasing your oxygen uptake.

Oral Hydration Solutions – The best way to add electrolytes to water

Oral hydration solutions have a medically proven history of over 50 years as powerful electrolyte drinks. Perfect for both emergencies and everyday use, ORS powders like DripDrop ORS can be an amazing portable option for those suffering from dehydration symptoms. DripDrop Oral Rehydration Solution contains three times the electrolytes of a sports drink with half the added sugar and promotes hydration with powerful amounts of potassium, sodium and magnesium. Solutions like these, with their diverse nutritional values ​​and convenient packaging, can be the best option to combat fluid loss.

Increase your electrolyte intake with DripDrop ORS and save 25%

Dehydration occurs during strenuous physical activity, illness, and hot weather, often leading to symptoms such as muscle contraction and dizziness. Replenishing fluids lost from drinks high in electrolytes can be a great way to combat those uncomfortable feelings while also adding to your normal water intake.

DripDrop ORS is a great water enriching option for any situation. Their portable pouches pack all the power of a restorative sports drink without the added sugar and calories.

Start fighting dehydration symptoms today with DripDrop’s multi-flavored pouch. Discover the variety of moisturizing powders today and save 25% on your purchase.

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Electrolytes are minerals that conduct an electrical charge when mixed with water. They help regulate a variety of your body’s most important functions, including nerve signals, pH balance, muscle contraction, and hydration (1). The primary electrolytes your body uses to perform these vital functions are sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, chloride, and bicarbonate (1). The levels of electrolytes in your blood and other body fluids are kept within a very narrow range. If your electrolyte levels get too high or too low, serious health complications can occur. Daily electrolyte and fluid losses occur naturally through sweat and other waste products. Therefore, it is important to regularly replenish them with a mineral-rich diet. However, certain activities or situations — like heavy exercise or bouts of diarrhea or vomiting — can increase electrolyte loss and warrant adding an electrolyte drink to your routine. Here are 8 electrolyte-rich drinks you might want to add to your health and wellness toolkit. Share on Pinterest

1. Coconut Water Coconut water or coconut juice is the clear liquid that’s inside a coconut. In recent years it has become one of the most popular beverages on the market and is now bottled and sold worldwide. Coconut water is naturally low in sugar and contains a variety of electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium (2). At 46 calories per cup (237 mL), it’s also a healthier alternative to sodas, juices, and traditional sports drinks (2). Summary Coconut water is naturally low in calories and sugar, but high in electrolytes like potassium and magnesium.

2. Milk When it comes to electrolyte drinks, cow’s milk is something of an unsung hero. Contrary to popular belief, milk can be used for a lot more than breakfast cereal or coffee. In addition to being rich in electrolytes like calcium, sodium, and potassium, milk offers a healthy combination of carbohydrates and proteins. These two macronutrients can help fuel you post-workout and promote muscle tissue repair (3, 4). Some research suggests that these properties could make milk a better post-workout drink than many commercial sports drinks—at a fraction of the price (5). Because the benefits of milk are determined by its electrolyte, carbohydrate, and protein content, you can choose whole, low-fat, or skim milk based on your personal preferences. It’s worth noting that regular cow’s milk may not be the right choice for everyone — especially those on a vegan or dairy-intolerant diet. If you’re lactose intolerant but still want to include milk in your exercise regimen for recovery, opt for a lactose-free version. On the other hand, if you eat vegan or suffer from a milk protein allergy, you should avoid milk completely. Although plant-based alternatives probably don’t offer the same benefits as cow’s milk, some research has shown that the protein in soy milk can support muscle repair while providing an electrolyte profile similar to cow’s milk (6, 7). Summary Milk is a good source of electrolytes, as well as protein and carbohydrates, making it a good post-workout drink.

3. Watermelon Water (And Other Fruit Juices) Although the name might suggest otherwise, watermelon water is simply the juice that comes out of a watermelon. One cup (237 mL) of 100% watermelon juice provides almost 6% of the Daily Value (DV) for potassium and magnesium while providing small amounts of other electrolytes like calcium and phosphorus (8). Watermelon juice also contains L-citrulline. When used in supplemental doses, this amino acid can improve oxygen transport and athletic performance (9). However, recent research suggests that the amount of L-citrulline in regular watermelon juice is probably insufficient to have a measurable effect on exercise performance (10, 11). Other types of fruit juices can also be good sources of electrolytes. For example, orange and tart cherry juice also contain potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus (12, 13). Plus, 100% fruit juice is a great source of vitamins and antioxidants (14, 15). One of the main disadvantages of using fruit juice as an electrolyte replacement drink is that it is usually low in sodium. If you sweat for a long time and try to rehydrate with a drink that doesn’t contain sodium, you risk low blood sodium (16). To reduce this risk, some people like to make their own sports drinks using a combination of fruit juices, salt, and water. Summary Watermelon and other fruit juices contain multiple electrolytes but are typically low in sodium and high in sugar.

4. Smoothies Smoothies are an excellent way to blend a variety of electrolyte-rich foods into one drinkable concoction. Some of the best sources of electrolytes come from whole foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and dairy—all of which can be blended into a delicious and nutritious smoothie. If you’re overcoming an upset stomach and looking to replace lost electrolytes, a smoothie may be easier to digest and more appetizing than many of the foods above on their own. Smoothies are also a great option for anyone looking for a post-workout recovery drink. Not only can they replace lost electrolytes, but they can also be a great way to support muscle tissue growth and repair when you add in some protein-rich supplements. However, a smoothie may not be the best option if you’re looking for an electrolyte drink to consume in the middle of a heavy or prolonged workout. That’s because it can leave you feeling too full to comfortably complete your workout. As such, it’s probably best to reserve it at least 1 hour before or immediately after your exercise routine. Summary Smoothies allow you to get electrolytes from blended, whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and dairy. They’re a great recovery drink before or after a workout.

5. Electrolyte-enriched water Electrolyte-enriched water can be a great, low-calorie way to replenish electrolytes and keep you well hydrated. However, not all electrolyte waters are the same. In the United States, most standard tap water contains about 2-3% of your daily needs for certain electrolytes like sodium, calcium, and magnesium (17). Interestingly, certain brands of electrolyte-fortified bottled water can be very expensive and don’t contain significantly more electrolytes — and in some cases, even less. However, some brands are specifically designed to support hydration and mineral metabolism and contain higher amounts of electrolytes. These tend to be more worth your money depending on why you’re drinking an electrolyte drink in the first place. Keep in mind that this type of water is also likely to be loaded with sugar, since many of them are designed to replenish carb stores during prolonged exercise. If you’re not looking for those extra sugar calories, opt for brands with little or no added sugar. You can also try adding freshly cut or mashed fruits and herbs to your water bottle to make your own flavored, electrolyte-enriched water. Summary Electrolyte-fortified water can be a great low-calorie hydration drink, but watch out for the brands that have large amounts of added sugar.

6. Electrolyte Tablets Electrolyte tablets are a convenient, inexpensive, and portable way to make your own electrolyte drink no matter where you are. All you have to do is add one of the tablets to some water and shake or stir to mix. Most electrolyte tablets contain sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium — although exact amounts may vary by brand. They’re also typically low in calories, have little to no added sugar, and come in a variety of unique, fruity flavors. Certain brands of electrolyte tablets may also contain caffeine or added doses of vitamins, so be sure to check the label if you want to avoid these added ingredients. If you can’t find electrolyte tablets locally or are hoping for a cheaper price, they are widely available online. Summary Electrolyte tablets are a convenient and inexpensive way to make your own electrolyte drink. All you have to do is mix a tablet with water.

7. Sports Drinks Commercially sold sports drinks such as Gatorade and Powerade have been among the most popular electrolyte drinks on the market since the 1980’s. These drinks may prove useful for endurance athletes who need a combination of easily digestible carbohydrates, fluid, and electrolytes to help maintain hydration and energy during an athletic event or training session. However, commercial sports drinks also have some major drawbacks. They tend to be high in artificial colors, flavors, and added sugars that aren’t strictly necessary for anyone — whether you’re an athlete or not. In fact, a 12 ounce serving of Gatorade or Powerade has over 20 grams of added sugar. That’s more than half the daily recommended amount (18, 19, 20). Also, sugar-free versions might not be a much better alternative. Although they contain no added sugar and are lower in calories, they usually contain sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners instead. These sweeteners can contribute to uncomfortable digestive symptoms like gas and gas in some people (21, 22). An easy way to avoid the unfavorable ingredients in sports drinks is to make your own drinks. Simply use a combination of 100% fruit juice, coconut water and a pinch of salt to create a healthier electrolyte drink with no artificial ingredients or added sugar. Summary Commercial sports drinks can be good for refueling and replenishing electrolytes during intense exercise, but they’re often high in sugar and artificial colors and flavors. Try making a healthier version at home.

8. Pedialyte Pedialyte is a commercial electrolyte drink marketed for children, but adults can use it too. It was developed as a rehydration supplement when you experience fluid losses due to diarrhea or vomiting. It contains far less sugar than a typical sports drink, and sodium, chloride, and potassium are the only electrolytes it contains. Each variety has just 9 grams of sugar, but the flavored options also contain artificial sweeteners. If you want to avoid artificial sweeteners, opt for an unflavored version (23). Summary Pedialyte is a rehydration supplement containing only sodium, chloride and potassium. It is intended for children or adults to replenish electrolytes during a bout of diarrhea or vomiting.

Is An Electrolyte Drink Right For You? Sports drinks and other types of electrolyte drinks are often marketed to the general public, but are probably not necessary for most people. In fact, regular consumption of some high-calorie, high-sugar electrolyte drinks could make it harder for you to achieve your health goals, especially when not used for their intended purpose. Most healthy, moderately active people can stay hydrated and maintain adequate levels of electrolytes by eating a balanced, nutritious diet and drinking plenty of water. Fluid requirements can vary from person to person, but it’s generally recommended to consume at least 68 to 101 ounces (2 to 3 liters) of fluids per day from a combination of food and beverages ( 24Trusted Source ). However, there are certain instances where you may be at a greater risk of becoming dehydrated and simple food and water just can’t handle it. If you engage in vigorous physical activity for more than 60 minutes, stay in a very hot environment for long periods of time, or have diarrhea or vomiting, an electrolyte drink may be needed. If you’re not sure if you’re hydrating properly, look out for these signs of mild to moderate dehydration (25): dry mouth and dry tongue

thirst

lethargy

dry skin

muscle weakness

dizziness

dark urine If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms and are staying hydrated, it may be time to add an electrolyte drink to your routine. If these symptoms worsen, contact your doctor. Summary Most people can maintain fluid and electrolyte balance with just water and a balanced diet. However, if you engage in prolonged, intense physical activity or experience vomiting or diarrhea, an electrolyte drink may be warranted.

It can get expensive to stock all the possible treatments your sheep and goats may need.

Fortunately, there are some less expensive home remedies that can sometimes be used to treat mild illnesses or to support sick or stressed animals. While the benefits of this are often anecdotal and research may be lacking, many manufacturers swear by their use.

Metabolic problems are among the most common problems in sheep and goats. Symptoms are usually the result of too much acid in the gut.

Sheep and goats with mild cases of bloating or acidosis can be pre-soaked with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), vegetable oil, mineral oil, or over-the-counter antacids.

Constipation can be relieved with castor oil, mineral oil, or milk of magnesia. Some manufacturers provide their sheep and goats with optional baking soda to prevent indigestion.

Mild, non-infectious causes of diarrhea (diarrhea) are often treated with Kaopectate or Pepto-Bismol.

Yoghurt is often given to animals with diarrhea. The probiotics in yogurt help restore gut health. Kefir contains more (but different) probiotics than yogurt.

Dehydration is a common consequence of diarrhea. Sheep and goats can be rehydrated with Gatorade or Pedialyte if commercial electrolytes are not available.

Toxic pregnancy (ketosis) is caused by a lack of energy in the late pregnancy diet. While propylene glycol is the standard treatment for early cases, you may have items in your kitchen cabinet that can provide quick sources of energy in a similar way.

These include corn oil, corn syrup, apple cider vinegar, molasses, and honey. Corn oil can also be added to the feed to increase the energy content.

Sometimes the only symptom of a sick animal is not being fed. There are many ways to provide supplemental feed to sheep and goats.

Beer has long been used for farm animals that are not fed. Some manufacturers give Certain or similar nutritional shakes. A popular recipe for homemade Nutri-Drench is 1 cup corn oil, 1 pint molasses, and 1 pint corn syrup.

The probiotics in yogurt and kefir can help restore a healthy gut and stimulate appetite. It is likely that future research will more accurately determine the role of probiotics in animal health and nutrition. In the meantime, it’s a good idea to give probiotics — including yogurt — to any animal that’s sick, unfed, or stressed.

Essential oils are increasingly used in animal and human health. Peppermint oil is recommended as a mastitis therapy. Tea tree oil has been used to treat hoof diseases. Oregano oil is being studied for its potential to prevent coccidiosis.

Aspirin may be an option when prescription anti-inflammatory drugs are not available. Some manufacturers opt for children’s aspirin, especially for smaller animals. Unfortunately, aspirin is not enough to relieve pain from docking or spaying.

There are likely many more home remedies that sheep and goat producers could share.

As with all animal health issues, manufacturers are encouraged to contact their veterinarians with questions about these home remedies.

For more information on natural and home remedies, go to go.umd.edu/homemaderemedies

Early treatment of lamb disease and milk fever produces the best outcomes for ewes and lambs; However, prevention is always preferable.

prevent lamb disease

You can avoid lamb disease by recognizing and anticipating a drop in nutritional levels on the pasture. They can then provide better pastures or energy and protein supplements to meet the increased nutritional needs of pregnant ewes. Avoid periods when the ewes are not eating, such as

You should feed your ewes energy supplements 2-3 weeks before collecting, clipping, crutching or lambing to ensure their energy status improves in a timely manner. If necessary, continue to feed the supplements while clipping or assisting.

prevent milk fever

To prevent milk fever, you should minimize any stress on heavily pregnant ewes. Ensure a balanced diet and avoid placing hungry animals and/or pregnant ewes in paddocks with lots of oxalate-rich plants. Feed your ewes as much calcium as possible after lambing, for example on pastures dominated by clover. Give supplementary feed if necessary. If you are supplementing your feed with grains (which are low in calcium), you can add 1.5% finely ground limestone (calcium carbonate) to increase the calcium content.

If possible, keep only the first run of heavily pregnant ewes in the pens overnight during shearing or crutching and minimize the time they are in the pens.

treat lamb disease

If you can treat ewes with lamb disease as soon as you notice the first signs and while they are still reasonably awake, they will be more likely to recover. Once ewes become drowsy, the treatment is less effective.

You can give sheep an energy solution (such as molasses) or a glucose or propylene glycol drench followed by a subcutaneous injection of a commercial calcium solution (with added glucose). Always follow the dosages and directions on the label. Follow-up treatments may be required.

You should give the commercially available calcium solution injections under the skin of the neck, shoulder, or over the ribs. You can massage the injected area to help distribute the solution. If you are giving larger doses, you should inject in different places.

These injections are not recommended as the sole treatment for lamb disease as recurrences are common, but they have the benefit of also treating any milk fever that may be present.

You may need to feed affected ewes up to 1L of water to overcome dehydration. Make sure there is accessible water and shade for them. You must also provide adequate soft food such as grain or alfalfa hay, which is necessary to keep the digestive system working and provide sufficient energy.

As soon as your ewes show signs of lamb disease, you should give the rest of your flock energy supplements as soon as possible to minimize the risk of further cases.

treat milk fever

You can treat milk fever with an injection of a commercially available calcium solution. You will see a rapid response (within half an hour) after injection in affected ewes.

Milk fever can be accompanied by lamb sickness, so commercial calcium solutions with added glucose, magnesium and phosphorus are the ideal medicines to have on hand for both conditions. These include Calcigol Plus and Flopak Plus (4 in 1) which are available from your local representative. Always follow the dosages and directions on the label.

Also consider…

Susan Schoenian, Sheep and Goat Specialist, University of Maryland Small Ruminant Extension Program

(Previously posted on the Maryland Small Ruminants site)

Diarrhea is defined as an increased frequency, fluidity, or quantity of fecal output. The feces may contain blood or mucus and be smelly. The color of the feces may be abnormal. However, based on the color, consistency or smell of the feces, it is not possible to unequivocally determine the infectious organism. A clear identification requires a sample for microbiological analysis.

In livestock, diarrhea is called diarrhea. There can be many causes of diarrhea: bacteria, viruses, parasites and diet.

Flystrike hazard

Sheep with diarrhea are more susceptible to infestation with flies (blowflies or maggots). Docking lambs is recommended to prevent fly infestation. However, the tail should be docked neither too long nor too short. Feces accumulate on long tails.

On the other hand, the dock should be left long enough to cover the ewe’s vulva, and an equivalent length in a ram. If a lamb can “wag” its tail, it is able to use its tail to fling feces away. Otherwise the droppings will run down the rear of the lamb. In hairy sheep or rat tail breeds, tail docking is not usually necessary.

Diarrhea in young (neonatal) lambs and kids

Despite improvements in management practices and prevention and treatment strategies, diarrhea is still the most common and costly disease affecting newborn small ruminants. A study at the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station (Dubois, ID) showed that diarrhea accounts for 46% of lamb mortality. Diarrhea in lambs and goats is a complex, multifactorial disease involving the animal, environment, diet and infectious agents. The four main causes of diarrhea in lambs and kids in the first month of life are E. Coli, Rotavirus, Cryposporidum sp. and Salmonella sp., while E. coli diarrhea is the most common.

E. coli

E. coli diarrhea is an opportunistic disease associated with poor environmental conditions and poor sanitation. It is seen in lambs and kids less than 10 days old but is most common between 1-4 days of age. It usually presents as an outbreak in lambs and kids between 12 and 48 hours of age. It is also called “watery mouth” because affected lambs drool and have a cold mouth. Fluid therapy is the mainstay of therapy.

Antibiotics are used both to treat and prevent E. coli diarrhea in lambs. Spectinomycin for the oral treatment of pigs is commonly used, although it is not approved for sheep and goats. Ewes and females can be vaccinated with the bovine E. coli vaccine before birth to increase passive immunity. The use of neomycin in lambs that appear normal can halt the progression of the outbreak. Adequate intake of colostrum by newborns reduces the occurrence of the disease.

rotavirus

Lambs and kids are infected with group B rotavirus, while most other animals and humans are infected with group A rotavirus. Rotavirus generally causes diarrhea in lambs and kids aged 2-14 days. Young animals become very depressed and dehydrated.

Rotavirus is treated with supportive care. Vaccination of ewes and cows with bovine rotavirus vaccines before birth increases passive immunity. Viruses are less likely to cause diarrhea in lambs and kids than in calves.

cryptosporidium

Cryptosporidium parvum is a protozoan that can cause diarrhea similar to that of rotavirus infection. Cryptosporidia can cause diarrhea in lambs and kids as young as 5 to 10 days of age. Affected animals are often active, alert, and lactating. The diarrhea is usually very liquid and yellow.

No consistently effective treatment for cryptosporidiosis in ruminants has been identified. Anecdotal reports suggest that decoquinte (Deccox®) and monensin sodium (Bovatec®) may be useful in fighting cryptosporosis. Ammonia and formalin appear to be the most effective at removing Cryptosporidium from the environment. The best control of cryptosporidiosis comes from lambs and kids receiving adequate immunity from colostrum soon after birth.

salmonella

The bacterium Salmonella has thousands of serotypes and all of them can potentially cause diarrhea in animals. Salmonella can cause diarrhea in lambs and kids of all ages. Animals younger than 1 week are more likely to die without clinical signs, while animals older than 1 week are more likely to have diarrhea. Salmonella also causes outbreaks of diarrhea in late pregnancy and is often associated with miscarriage. Bleach is an effective disinfectant to use during an outbreak. The effectiveness of the vaccine is questionable and to date vaccination in sheep and goats has not been thoroughly studied.

giardia

Giardia-induced diarrhea is more common but not limited to 2-4 week old lambs and kids. The diarrhea is usually transient, but infected animals can continue to shed cysts for many weeks, which are a source of infection for other animals and possibly humans. Infected animals can be effectively treated with fenbendazole (SafeGuard® or Valbazen®).

nutritional

Infectious agents are not the only cause of diarrhea in newborns. Diet problems can lead to diarrhea. Diet-related diarrhea is most common in orphaned animals as a result of poor quality milk replacers, mixing errors and overfeeding. Eating lush pastures or high-energy diets can also cause diarrhea in young lambs and kids.

A chafing lamb or kid loses large amounts of fluids and electrolytes, such as sodium and chlorine. Usually the cause of death from chafing in lambs and kids is dehydration and acidosis, or excess acidity in the body. Whatever the microbial cause of diarrhea, the most effective treatment for a soggy lamb or kid is rehydration through the administration of fluids.

Diarrhea in older lambs and kids

The most common causes of diarrhea in older lambs and kids are coccidiosis and gastrointestinal parasites (worms). Other major causes of diarrhea in older lambs and kids are Clostridium perfringins, rumen acidosis and diet.

coccidiosis

Coccidiosis is a parasitic protozoal disease that is a common cause of diarrhea in lambs and kids. It can also cause subclinical production losses. Lambs and kids are most susceptible to the problem between the ages of 1-4 months, although younger animals can be affected. Lambs are resistant to the disease in the first few weeks of life. Contact with the protozoa during this period confers immunity and resistance to subsequent infection.

Clinical diseases often occur after weaning stress, a change in diet or shipping. Lamb and kid diarrhea is not usually bloody but may contain blood or mucus and be very watery. Management of affected animals includes supportive care and administration of coccidiostats. All animals in a group should be treated during an outbreak. Prevention includes improved hygiene and the use of coccidiostats.

gastrointestinal worms

Barber pole worm (Haemonchus contortiu) is the most important species of worm affecting sheep and goats in warm, humid climates with summer rainfall. It is not characterized by diarrhea. However, heavy loads of other gastrointestinal worms can cause diarrhea in sheep and goats: Ostertagia circumcincta (medium or brown stomachworm), Trichostrongylus (bankworm or hairworm), Cooperia sp. (small intestinal worm) and Nematodirus sp. (roundworm). Control of gastrointestinal parasites is best achieved through good grazing, pasture, and animal management, and through strategic and/or selective deworming of affected individuals with effective anthelmintics.

Clostridium perfringine

Clostridium perfringins types A, B, C, and D can all cause diarrhea in lambs and kids, although type D is the most common pathogen. In type D, sheep are more likely to experience neurological symptoms followed by sudden death, while goats are more likely to show signs of diarrhea before death. Treatment is rarely effective but consists of aggressive supportive care and administration of the antitoxin.

Clostridium perfringens type C tends to affect very young lambs (< 2 weeks old) and presents as bloody diarrhea, hemorrhagic enteritis and bloody diarrhea. Clostridial disease in young animals is easily prevented by vaccinating pregnant mothers about three weeks before birth and then vaccinating the offspring. Consuming enough high-quality colostrum is important. rumen acidosis Acidosis is caused by too much grain or concentrate, leading to a change in rumen acid and bacterial population. The increase in acid causes inflammation of the rumen wall and a reduction in the bacteria needed to digest fiber. Symptoms can include depression, malnutrition, bloating, wasting, diarrhea, and occasionally death. Treatment includes soaking with mineral oil or antacids. Acidosis is prevented by proper feeding management. Concentrates (grains) should be introduced into the feed slowly and increased gradually to give the rumen time to adjust. nutritional Diet-related diarrhea can be caused by anything that disrupts normal habits. It can also be the result of low intake of dry matter to liquid ratio. A lamb must consume at least 2.5% of its body weight in dry matter per day. Young or fast-growing lambs that are brought out to pasture must eat large amounts of grass to meet their nutritional needs. Green grass is rich in moisture. They can get diarrhea if they don't get enough dry matter in their diet. Diarrhea in adult sheep and goats Adult diarrhea is less common than in lambs and kids, but still possible. Parasitism can cause diarrhea in adult sheep and goats. Coccidiosis can occur in adults under extreme stress or due to lack of immunity. The ingestion of toxins, the list of which is long, can also cause diarrhea. It is not uncommon for sheep or goats to chafe when grazing in lush or wet pastures. Johne's disease (pronounced "Yo-nees") Unlike cattle, diarrhea is not a common symptom of sheep and goats infected with Johne's disease. A USDA-APHIS study showed that less than 20% of sheep and goats suffer from Johne's diarrhea. Johne's disease is an incurable, contagious bacterial disease of the intestinal tract. It occurs in a wide variety of animals, but is most common in ruminants. Johne's disease is most commonly reported in dairy cattle but is probably underestimated as a problem in small ruminants. treatment strategies Diarrhea should not be viewed as a disease in its own right, but rather as a symptom of other more serious health problems in sheep and goats. It can be the symptom of many different diseases (eg, bloating, acidosis, enterotoxemia, and polio). Diarrhea is not always the result of an infectious disease. It can be induced by stress, poor management, and diet. Before treating an animal for diarrhea, it is important to determine why the animal is chafing. Take the animal's temperature with a rectal thermometer. If the body temperature is above the normal range (102-103°F), fever medication and antibiotics can be used to control the infection. Many of the most common causes of diarrhea are self-limiting, and the primary goals of treatment are to keep the animal physiologically intact while the diarrhea runs its course. Various oral antidiarrheals have been used in sheep and goats. They can be helpful, but no attempts have ever been reported. Pepto-Bismol (Bismuth Subsalicylate, Bismal) is commonly used to treat cattle with diarrhea. Pepto Bismol contains bismuth, which coats, soothes and relieves irritated stomach lining. Kaopectate (kaolin pectin) can be used to treat non-infectious causes of diarrhea. Drugs that reduce intestinal motility (e.g. Immodium AD) should not be used. Oral yogurt or probiotics are often given to restore a more normal gut flora. Antibacterial drugs are usually grossly overrated in the treatment of diarrhea, but are sometimes indicated. Treatment with antibiotics is usually not useful when animals are infected with viruses or protozoa. However, antibiotics are useful when bacterial infections are the primary infectious agent or when the risk of secondary bacterial infections is high. For coccidia, sulfa antibiotics or amprolium should be used. *** It is important to note that many of the organisms that cause diarrhea in livestock can cause disease in humans.

Editorial information

Author: Emily Simcock BSc(hons) BVSc(hons) MRCVS PGcert (Ruminant Nutrition). Clinical images courtesy of Phil Scott DVM&S BVM&S CertCHP DSHP DipECBHM FRCVS Reviewed: Published: September 2019

introduction

Previous bulletins have detailed the underlying causes of death in newborn lambs and ways to reduce losses. This bulletin discusses specific diseases in detail, including clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and control.

mouthwash disease

Mouthwash disease is a slang term (others include rattle belly) used to describe a collection of clinical symptoms in newborn lambs that include lethargy, poor sucking, excessive salivation, bloating, and retained meconium. The condition is caused by colonization of the small intestine by E. coli with rapid multiplication and release of toxins.

Initial infection results from high bacterial environmental exposure from dirty, wet conditions in the lambing shed and pens and from ewes with faecal stains on the wool of the tail and hind end. Intestinal colonization and rapid bacterial growth are facilitated by insufficient or delayed colostrum intake. These risks are higher in lambs with low birth weight, in ewes in poor condition or ill health, in multiple births, after difficult births and due to mismothering.

Figure 1. Lambs with watery mouths are initially listless, lethargic, depressed and reluctant to suckle.

Figure 2. Mouthwash disease can quickly lead to coma and death.

Mouthwash disease is common in twins, and especially triplets, between the ages of 12 and 36 hours and kept in unsanitary conditions. Affected lambs are listless, lethargic, depressed and reluctant to nurse. They often lie in the corner of the enclosure and rarely stretch or show interest in suckling when asked to stand. Within 2 to 6 hours there will be profuse salivation, a moist lower jaw and increasing abdominal tension, even though the lamb is not eating. The condition can quickly lead to coma and death.

Mouthwash can be diagnosed based on the clinical signs in the live lamb. When mortality rates are high, fresh lamb carcasses should be submitted for autopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Blood samples from live lambs less than a week old can also be easily tested to determine if colostrum intake has been adequate and to identify risk factors that may contribute to an outbreak.

treatment

Despite bloating, lambs with mouthwash disease require oral electrolyte therapy at the rate of 50 mL per kg four times a day to prevent dehydration. In the early stages, soapy water enemas such as diluted dish soap or other laxatives can be used to encourage bowel movement and the elimination of meconium. Oral antibiotics can be effective in the early stages of the disease, but veterinary advice should be sought to ensure treatment protocols are appropriate.

prevention and control

Mouthwash disease problems are often worse in kept flocks towards the end of the lambing period when the bacterial challenge builds up. Every effort must be made to improve hygiene standards in the lambing pen. If possible, the remaining pregnant ewes should be moved to another building or, weather permitting, to pasture. It is important to ensure lambs are getting enough high quality colostrum to ensure adequate immunity.

Control measures must include:

Correct feeding of pregnant ewes (to ensure correct birth weight and good colostrum quality).

Plenty of clean, dry straw bedding.

Cleaning and disinfecting individual pens between lambing ewes.

Collection and disposal of afterbirths.

Ensure lambs are suckling colostrum or supplemented with bottle or feeding tube within two hours of birth.

Make sure the lambs get 50ml per kg of high quality colostrum for the first 2 hours and 200ml per kg for the first 24 hours.

Routine use of antibiotics to prevent mouthwash disease in lambs is not warranted. Industry, as part of its commitment to combat antimicrobial resistance, has committed to phasing out the use of antibiotics for this purpose. In the event of an outbreak, every effort should be made to prevent the disease and veterinary advice should be sought.

Navel Infection (Navel Disease)

Navel disease is common in young lambs born in unsanitary conditions and when the navel is inadequately treated. It is more common in inclement weather and in male lambs, since urination delays drying of the navel and removes some of the iodine solution.

Umbilical cord infections can remain localized and develop into a discrete abscess affecting the body wall, or they can spread inside the body and affect the abdominal cavity, joints, meninges (brain), lungs, kidneys, and endocardium (heart valves), where the consequences for the lamb may not be fully appreciated until a few weeks later after considerable suffering.

Treatment of localized abscesses can be useful, but the prognosis for infections of the body cavity, liver, brain, and joints is very poor.

Figure 3. The iodine solution was not properly applied to the navel while it was still wet.

Hepatic necrobacillosis is a fatal disease caused by the spread of an umbilical infection with the bacterium Fusobacterium necrophorum (foot rot bacteria) to the liver. Typically, affected lambs are first noticed at 10 to 14 days of age, when they appear listless and depressed and in poor condition. They have an empty, gaunt appearance and are easy to catch in the field. Affected lambs may not follow the ewe and find shelter behind walls and hedges. They stand with their backs arched and all four legs drawn up. Treatment is hopeless.

Septic peritonitis occurs when umbilical infections spread to the body cavity. Clinical signs vary with the extent and type of peritonitis. Lambs that develop septic peritonitis within the first five days of life appear very listless and weak. They stand with their backs arched and their heads down, lying in the corner of the enclosure for a long time. The rectal temperature can be low. These lambs do not suckle, but the progressive loss of fluid into the abdominal cavity causes the abdomen to bloat in contrast to the lamb’s gaunt appearance. Affected lambs quickly become dehydrated and die within days of the onset of clinical symptoms. Treatment is hopeless.

Figure 4. Lamb with septic peritonitis standing very listless, weak and with a arched back.

Figure 5. Comparison between a healthy 5-day-old twin (left) and a littermate with septic peritonitis (right).

Figure 6. Necropsy of a lamb with septic peritonitis – note the large amount of pus (infection) on the left side of this image.

prevention

Good hygiene and thorough application of 10% iodine solution to the navel as soon as possible after birth can easily prevent umbilical disease. This should be repeated after two to four hours. Antibiotic sprays are not as effective and the use of topical antibiotics for this purpose is not warranted.

Figure 7. The umbilicus (navel) must be completely immersed in 10% iodine within the first 15 minutes of life and repeated 2 to 4 hours later.

Joint disease (infectious polyarthritis)

The localization of bacteria in joints causes infectious arthritis. This causes moderate to severe lameness and is a major economic and social problem for the industry. Bacteria spread through the bloodstream in newborn lambs, beginning with entry via the intestines, upper respiratory tract, tonsils, and untreated umbilical cords. The bacterial challenge is much greater when lambs are kept in unsanitary conditions with delayed or insufficient colostrum intake.

Figure 8. The bacterial challenge is much greater when lambs are born in unsanitary conditions

Figure 9. The bacterial load is greater at high stocking densities

Joint infections with the bacterium Streptococcus dysgalactiae are acquired in the first few days of life with lameness that becomes apparent by five to ten days of age. The number of joints infected varies; Only one joint is affected in about 50 percent of lambs, with the remaining lambs having two to four joints. The most commonly affected joints, with decreasing frequency, are the carpal (the “knee” on the front leg), ankle, ankle, and stifle joints. The affected joints are swollen, hot, and painful. The infection causes significant muscle wasting due to lack of limb use, and after just a week, lambs with polyarthritis are smaller than their twin and in poorer physical condition.

Figure 10. Severe right carpal lameness lasting 5-7 days. The lamb has poor body condition and an open coat.

Figure 11. Joint disease affecting the right ankle (and possibly other joints).

Lameness affecting a single leg can also be caused by a fracture, a foot abscess, a lesion between the claws, a dog bite, or a joint injury (with the knee joint being most commonly affected).

Diagnosis of an infected joint is based on clinical findings, although distinguishing injuries from early states of infection can prove difficult. In lambs less than one month old, all lameness and swelling of the joints should be considered septic until proven otherwise.

treatment

Procaine penicillin is the drug of choice for infected joints, where the bacteria Streptococcus dysgalactiae and Erysipelis rhusiopathiae are most common and account for over 90 percent of synovial fluid culture results. Penicillin given once a day for at least five consecutive days during the early stages of lameness has a good cure rate for many infections. Dead bacteria and white blood cells in the joint cause inflammatory changes, and some degree of lameness often persists.

Lambs with polyarthritis that continue to show moderate to severe lameness after two courses of antibiotics are not growing well and pose a major welfare problem. These lambs must be euthanized for welfare reasons.

Figure 12. Lambs with polyarthritis that continue to show moderate to severe lameness after two courses of antibiotic therapy must be euthanized for welfare reasons.

Treating all lambs with penicillin in the first few days of life to prevent joint infections is not an acceptable use of antibiotics. Instead, every effort should be made to prevent infection and veterinary advice should be sought if joint infections occur.

prevention

The risk of bacteria entering the bloodstream is reduced by ensuring adequate intake of high quality colostrum and by reducing the bacterial challenge from the environment. The lamb must consume 200 ml per kg body weight in the first 24 hours of life and 50 ml per kg body weight in the first 2 hours. The navel must be completely immersed in 10% iodine within the first 15 minutes after birth and repeated 2 to 4 hours later. Switching to pasture for outdoor lambing for the late high-risk period may reduce the number of lambs affected.