Sick Lamb Symptoms
Common Sick Lamb Symptoms
The following is a list of sick lamb symptoms with the common causes of the symptom.
This is not medical advice and if symptoms continue the advice of a vet is strongly advised.
Chest sounds noisy, cough, fever
Possible Cause: Pneumonia
Pneumonia in lambs is one of the most common causes of death in young lambs. It is a respiratory disease whereby the lungs become infected and inflamed. Please see our Pneumonia in Lambs health page for further information
Lame with hot, swollen joints
Possible Cause: Joint ill
If detected early enough Joint ill in lambs can be successfully treated with antibiotics. Left untreated it can result in the death of the lamb. Please see our Joint ill in Lambs health page for further information.
Laying down with outstretched legs in discomfort/distended belly/stretching excessively
Bloat in lambs is a common health issue that unfortunately can kill if not treated early. Please see our Bloat in Lambs health page for more information.
Lethargic/ not wanting to stand
Possible Causes: Infection or Joint ill
Infection: infections are common in lambs for a variety of reasons. The normal temperature range for a lamb is 38.5 – 39.5 degrees Celcius. A higher than normal temperature is a good indication of an infection. Please visit your vet for a possible course of antibiotics
Joint ill: If detected early enough Joint ill in lambs can be successfully treated with antibiotics. Left untreated it can result in the death of the lamb. Please see our Joint ill in Lambs health page for further information.
Not wanting to drink
Possible Causes: Infection, Bloat, Scours, Pneumonia
Infection: infections are common in lambs for a variety of reasons. The normal temperature range for a lamb is 38.5 – 39.5 degrees Celcius. A higher than normal temperature is a good indication of an infection. Please visit your vet for a possible course of antibiotics
Bloat: Bloat in lambs is a common health issue that unfortunately can kill if not treated early. Please see our Bloat in Lambs health page for more information.
Scours: Unlike adult sheep, lambs do not have formed faeces (little round balls) until they are several weeks old although this can vary from lamb to lamb. It is not uncommon for scours (diarrhoea) to occur in young lambs. Please see our Scours in Lambs health page for more information.
Scabby mouth: Scabby mouth in lambs is a viral disease that causes scabs and pustules, usually around the mouth and face of affected animals. Please see our Scabby Mouth in Lambs health page for more information.
Pneumonia: Pneumonia in lambs is one of the most common causes of death in young lambs. It is a respiratory disease whereby the lungs become infected and inflamed. Please see our Pneumonia in Lambs health page for further information
Shaking
Possible Causes: Infection and Hypothermia
Infection: infections are common in lambs for a variety of reasons. The normal temperature range for a lamb is 38.5 – 39.5 degrees Celcius. A higher than normal temperature is a good indication of an infection. Please visit your vet for a possible course of antibiotics
Hypothermia: The healthy temperature range for a lamb is between 38.5 and 39.5 degrees Celsius. Newborn lambs cannot regulate their body temperature so succumb to hypothermia very quickly. Please see our Lamb Hypothermia health page for further information
Sore, red eyes
Possible Cause: Entropian
Entropian: Entropion in lambs is a common congenital disorder affecting lamb health. It is usually characterised by the turning in of one or both lower eyelids. Please see our Entropian in Lambs health page for further information
White gums
Possible Causes: Anemia or a deficiency of vitamin E and/or a deficiency of selenium.
Please see your vet for further treatment.