Cruz was seen alone, dazed and confused in the middle of a paddock. His rescuer contacted the farmer who happily allowed her to take Cruz into her care. After a day on IV fluids at the vet he then reached LCA. Cruz was treated for PEM. Thiamine deficiency reduces energy availability to the brain, which leads to a type of brain degeneration called polioencephalomalacia or PEM. Not only is he fighting an illness he is also grieving the loss of his mum. As a 3-4 week old lamb at the time of rescue, he had time to form the strong bond that lambs have with their mums. We are doing our best to support him as much as possible both physically and mentally. If Cruz can overcome his physical ailments, we are sure in time he will also adapt to life without his mum.
Clive had a difficult start to life when a spinal infection led to sepsis. A vet clinic was caring for him for the first 2 weeks of his life. They were able to get him to the point where his back end wasn’t collapsing. It was then that the clinic contacted Lamb Care Australia to see if he could be taken into care. Clive is a very interesting character. Quiet and timid, he has been rather untrusting of humans and other lambs. Although he is not an overly affectionate lamb, he doesn’t mind a face scratch. He started as a loner but is slowly warming up to other lambs. Clive is a heater hog and moves the family dogs out of the way to reach it!
Photos: Kate Perkins
