Keeping the flock healthy isn't very hard, but when an unusual medical situation crops up unexpectedly, you either handle it yourself, or call your vet.
There are two main reasons to reserve calling the vet, one is distance. Our livestock vet is an hour away, and since they schedule rounds for most days, they aren't immediately available to drop what they are doing and drive an hour to my farm. This is a consideration before I pick up the phone.
The other is cost. A farm call is $75.00 and this just covers their coming on the property, no treatment. Weighing both of those things against the need is always a consideration.
In the early days of our shepherding, things went well for the most part. The first call for our vet was to draw blood on the sheep for Johnnes and OPP as a matter of routine. Though some people do this themselves and send to an independent lab, I'm squeamish and would rather the vet do it, quickly, efficiently and easily.
This initial visit allowed us to ask questions and meet the vet prior to any emergency that might arise later on. We didn't want our first contact to be a cold call.
Over time our relationship has grown to a point of trust and co-operation and I feel very strongly that our livestock vet truly has the best interest of the animal at heart.
We have an option for saving the on-farm call fee, by transporting the animal to the vets' office, and we've done this on several occasions. Each time it has been for a lamb, so transport was easy as was the office call. This is a good option.
We have also sought advice via phone call, and have requested certain medications via email, which have been mailed out without problems.
We can give injections, treat wounds, administer oral medications, cast limbs, handle some obstetric situations up to this point, (God I'm not asking to be challenged here :-) ). Our vet has responded to my request for additional knowledge of certain illnesses with detailed emails on how to perform invasive procedures when there is no other option. Not the best solution but if it is that or death, I'd just as soon pull out all the stops and try to save my animal.
This past spring we had a case of what I believe was bloat in which, despite my efforts and a call to the vet, we lost the animal anyway. Sometimes it happens and you remember that the other side of life is inevitable death for all of us someday.
The highest priority for an animal that is ill in our flock is to reduce the amount of suffering they may be experiencing. Sometimes this means death and its not easy when you have invested much in bringing the animal as far as it has already come.
All in all, for six years now, we've done okay in terms of emergencies and unforeseen complications, having cared for just about 80 sheep in this time period.
What I've learned is to stay humble, watchful and always ready to learn.
Regards,
Kathryn
In Memory of Mary ScholefieldFriend, fellow shepherd and teacher. You taught me so much!
Rest in peace dear friend.
January 19, 1960 - November 12, 2011
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