Sheep often face various diseases that can cause damage to the digestive organs. In this case, general weakness, diarrhea and other symptoms appear. Farmers are especially concerned if similar signs occur in young animals. Therefore, the question of how to treat diarrhea in lambs is considered very relevant. To deal with this problem, it is important to first make a correct diagnosis.
Causes of diarrhea in lambs
Digestive disorders can be associated with a variety of factors. Sometimes even experienced farmers cannot determine the causes of problems. In such a situation, it is impossible to do without the help of a veterinarian.
Anaerobic dysentery
This term refers to an acute toxic infection to which newborn babies are susceptible. Pathology can be identified by the occurrence of diarrhea, which provokes the rapid onset of dehydration, and ulcerative enteritis. After which the animal quickly dies.
The cause of the pathology is considered to be infection with dangerous microorganisms that can live for half an hour at a temperature of +90 degrees. Most often, lambs 1-5 days old are susceptible to the disease. At the same time, it quickly spreads through bedding, equipment and other contaminated objects.
The development of the disease is caused by the lack of preventive vaccination and improper feeding of the sheep during pregnancy. Also, the risk of the disease increases in case of hypothermia and improper living conditions. The disease can have the following types of courses:
- hyperacute – causes instant death;
- acute – lasts 3 weeks;
- chronic – rare and accompanied by developmental delays in lambs.
Enterotoxemia
The pathology is a toxic infection that provokes damage to the nervous system. The disease quickly leads to the death of the lamb. It is caused by spore-forming anaerobes. When they enter the body, they produce toxins that enter the blood. The disease can spread between animals. Pathogens often enter the body from pastures. Outbreaks are usually observed in the spring. Pathology has 3 development options:
- lightning - the death of the lamb occurs in 10-12 hours;
- acute – the pathology lasts about a day;
- chronic – causes weakness, diarrhea, anemia.
For helminthiasis
This group includes many diseases that are caused by parasitic worms entering the body. All of them cause digestive upset. The most common pathologies include:
- Helminthiases are caused by infection by worms from the class of leaf-shaped flukes. They cause paramphistomatosis, fasciliasis, dicroceliosis.
- Cestodoses - they are caused by tapeworms called cestodes. They provoke the development of moniesiosis and coenurosis.
- Nematodes - this group of pathologies is provoked by roundworms, which are called nematodes.
With fascioliasis
This disease is caused by parasitic flukes. They cause damage to the bile ducts of the liver. Infection usually occurs through water and food. Pathology can develop within 3-4 months. At the same time, it causes stool disorders, loss of appetite, anemia, and fever. In the absence of timely treatment, there is a risk of death of the lamb.
Echinococcosis
This term refers to parasitic chronic pathology. It is caused by echinococcus, which is considered the most dangerous parasite. Infection occurs with water and grass. The development of the disease is also possible due to violation of hygiene rules on farms.
Colored diarrhea
This pathology poses a danger only to newborn babies. It occurs immediately after birth or after 3-5 days. Despite the name, stool has a clear consistency. Therefore, it is not always possible to detect the disease in time.
In addition to diarrhea, the baby experiences severe weakness and loss of appetite. The disease causes dehydration.To avoid pathology, it is important to vaccinate a pregnant female 3-4 weeks before giving birth. At the initial stage, the pathology can be eliminated with the help of complex therapy. Even with a slight suspicion of the development of the disease, it is recommended to isolate the lamb, provide it with a favorable temperature and constantly ventilate the room.
Associated symptoms
The clinical picture usually depends on the diagnosis. In this case, diarrhea is often accompanied by symptoms of dyspepsia, especially if the baby is bottle-fed. Most often, diarrhea in lambs provokes the following symptoms:
- general weakness and lethargy;
- loss of appetite;
- weight loss;
- the appearance of bloody impurities in the stool;
- rapid dehydration.
Diagnostic methods
If detected early, most pathologies can be cured. At the same time, it is important to perform diagnostics in a timely manner. Therefore, if there is any suspicion of deterioration in the lamb’s condition, it is recommended to contact a veterinary service.
After a preliminary examination, the doctor will prescribe laboratory tests. This will help you understand the causes of your symptoms and choose treatment.
Methods for treating diarrhea in sheep
When diarrhea appears, treatment can be different - it all depends on the specific diagnosis and age of the animal.
In an adult
Therapeutic measures depend on the diagnosis:
- For enterotoxemia, therapy gives results only in the initial stages. In this case, the sheep need to be injected with hyperimmune serum. This is recommended in combination with antibiotics. Complex cases of pathology cannot be treated.
- For helminthiasis, treatment is prescribed depending on the parasite that caused the disease. When infected with nematodes, Ivermectin is prescribed.Albendazole helps to cope with tape or round helminths. For fascioliasis, you need to give Hexichol and Acemidophen. The dosage should be determined by a veterinarian. In this case, the sick animal must be isolated.
In young animals
Young animals usually suffer from the same pathologies as adult animals. Therefore, the only difference in treatment is the dosage of drugs. As a rule, the volume of medication is calculated depending on body weight.
In the lambs
Lambs often face special diseases. Therefore, treatment methods differ:
- For anaerobic dysentery, it is recommended to administer hyperimmune serum intramuscularly. Syntomycin can also be used. In addition, antibiotics or sulfonamides help cure the pathology.
- Color diarrhea requires complex therapy. Initially, the baby should be given a warm solution of electrolytes. This will help support his body until the antibacterial drugs take effect. It is recommended to administer the solution daily at intervals of 6 hours. At the same time, antibiotics are prescribed - "Gentamicin", "Spectomycin", "Nifuraldezon". They are recommended to be administered every 2 hours.
If the appearance of diarrhea in a baby is not associated with a serious pathology, it is permissible to use folk remedies. A decoction of oak bark or strong tea is suitable for this. You can also use the drug "Zinaprim". To do this, you need to pour a pinch of the substance onto the animal’s tongue. This should be done 2-3 times.
Possible consequences
Diarrhea in lambs is considered a rather dangerous condition. In the absence of timely assistance, it quickly provokes dehydration of animals. With the development of serious diseases, the probability of death of the lamb is high.
Prevention
To avoid diarrhea in the young, it is important to properly feed and maintain pregnant lambs. Compliance with lambing hygiene rules is of no small importance. You also need to strictly adhere to the recommendations for raising young animals.
Before lambing, the sheep must be given concentrated types of feed. They also need vitamins and minerals. Before lambing, the premises must be cleaned and disinfected. Before lambing, it is recommended to sanitize the udder.
Diarrhea in lambs can be a consequence of a variety of pathologies. There are many dangerous conditions that can cause the death of cubs. To avoid this, it is important to pay special attention to prevention. If symptoms of diarrhea do appear, you need to consult a veterinarian.
