Lambing/Kidding Tips

Lambing Kit Essentials

Dr Mirna Topic DVM BSA

With spring upon us, so is lambing and kidding season.  Having a lambing kit on hand allows you to be prepared for unexpected situations. It also allows us to better help you if you call in need of some advice. 
 

If you have expectant does and ewes, you should also have the following supplies on hand:

1. Gloves and disinfectant soap
2. Lubricant
3. Iodine – to disinfect lamb’s navel
4. Thermometer (digital)
5. Bottle/Nipple
6. Feeding tube
7. Powdered colostrum
8. Heating lamp (straw, shelter, protection from the elements)
9. Clean towels/blankets
10. Assorted syringes and needles
11. Electrolyte and nutrient supplements for the ewe/doe (Ketamalt, Dextrose, Calcium)
12. Antibiotics and pain medication (Depocillin, Metacam - to be used with dosing guidelines provided by DVM)

WHEN SHOULD I HELP?

95% of ewes and does deliver unaided with no complications

This means that you should only intervene if absolutely necessary!

If you have not aided in delivery of a lamb or kid please do not hesitate to call us, we are available for large animal after hour emergency services.

Risks of aiding in delivery: increased risk of bleeding or rupturing tissues. Increased risk of inflammation and infection. 

Any ewe or doe that receives assistance during delivery MUST get antibiotics and pain medication as directed by a veterinarian.

 WHAT IS COLOSTRUM? 

Colostrum is the first milk made by the mother. It is vital for immunity and energy for any newborn animal. 

Immediately after birth colostrum carries high amounts of antibodies. The amount of antibodies decline rapidly after birth. Additionally the newborn's ability to absorb these antibodies begins to decline in the hours after birth, and completely stops by 24 to 36 hours. This is why it is vital to ensure they receive adequate quantity and quality of colostrum, quickly!

Quantity: 

50ml per kg bodyweight in first 2 hours of life

200ml per kg bodyweight in first 24 hours of life

Quality: 

Fresh is best!

Preference is always from mother, then from another ewe, then powdered. 

Quickly: 

First colostrum MUST be given in the first couple hours of life, the remaining colostrum should be delivered before the 24 hour mark. 

WHEN SHOULD I CALL THE VET? 

Complications before delivery: 

1. Prolapsed Vagina - common one month before lambing. 
2. Twin Lamb Disease (Pregnancy Toxemia) - this is a condition caused be either low blood sugar or low calcium. Call the vet if you notice a ewe or doe near due that is weak, unable to stand or blind. Never give calcium containing injections intravenously without a veterinarian.

Complications during delivery: 

 A normal delivery takes about 5 hours. 4 hours for the cervix to dilate and 1 hour for the actual delivery. The normal steps of a delivery 

1. Contractions begin and the cervix starts to dilate - the ewe or doe will be restless at this stage, frequently getting up and down 
2. Active delivery - the waterbag will protrude through the fully dilated cervix, following the rupture of the water bags the two feet and nose of the lamb or kid will follow.
3. Delivery of the afterbirth - 2-3 hours after lambing or kidding the afterbirth should be released and delivered (this is an equally important part to observe). 

If you notice the following signs, call the vet: 

1. Straining but no sign of waterbag / cervix does not dilate (4 hours)
2. Ruptured waterbag but no sign of lamb (~30min-1hr)
3. Lamb wedged in birth canal 
4. Lamb not in normal presentation: 

Examples of presentations (left to right): normal, breech, head back, both legs back

Complications after delivery:

1. Prolapsed uterus - confine the ewe and call vet immediately
2. Metritis - infection of the uterus, often seen a few days after delivery. Reduced appetite, reduced milk production, smelly discharge from the vagina, fever (possibly)
3. Mastitis - infection of one or both udders, might initially appear sore/stiff getting up and on closer inspection you find a hard, warm and red udder.