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Treatment of Other Ailments
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Some ailments that need treatment on the farm without consulting a veterinarian:
Wounds
Wounds can be caused by various objects and infected with bacteria. If the wound is older than eight hours, it should be regarded and treated as infected.
Treatment: Bleeding should be stopped. Remove all foreign materials such as sand, grass, faeces, etc. Wash the sound with disinfectants such as saltwater. Clip the hair around the wound, dry the surface and keep the wound dry.
Abscesses
It is an accumulation of pus in a cavity. It is hard and painful.
Treatment: Allow the abscess to ripen before it is opened by an incision. Treat the animal with antibiotic injections afterwards.
Bleeding
Slight bleeding is beneficial because it tends to clean the wound. Severe bleeding must be stopped.
Treatment: Apply a pressure bandage.
Difficult Births
When an animal is on the point of giving birth, it must be left undisturbed. If there is a delay in normal birth the cause should be examined. If you cannot find the cause within five minutes a veterinarian should be contacted. If the veterinarian cannot be found, you should attempt to do it yourself to save the cow and the calf. It however takes experience to identify if a cow is experiencing difficult birth. Do not assist too soon or too late.
Long rubber gloves that cover your arm must be worn to protect the cow from injury and you from infections. The vaginal and anal areas must be washed and disinfected before an internal examination is attempted. The arm must be lubricated. You must work carefully. If traction is used it must be applied in the same direction as normal birth.
After assistance has been given, afterbirth suppositories must be inserted deep into the uterus to neutralize any infections.
Click here to view a video that explains managing your flock, Part 1 Diagnosing and Treating Sick Sheep.
Click here to view a video that explains the healthy cow checkup, and how to perform a physical examination.
Click here to view a video that explains to sick sheep what to do.