
31/08/2025
🐑 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 – 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗙𝗼𝗿🌱
From the team at New Plymouth Vet Group
Spring is here, and with lambing well underway, it's a busy and critical time for lifestyle farmers and their flocks. At New Plymouth Vet Group, we’re seeing a few common sheep health issues that are important to catch early to keep your ewes and lambs thriving.
𝗟𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 (𝗗𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮)
If a ewe has been straining for over 30 minutes without progress, or you notice just a head or one leg presenting, she may need assistance. Don’t wait too long — early intervention can save both the ewe and the lamb.
𝗦𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗽𝘆 𝗦𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 (𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗧𝗼𝘅𝗮𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗮)
Often seen in ewes carrying multiple lambs late in pregnancy. Signs include:
* Off feed
* Weakness or staggering
* Depression or separation from the mob
Early treatment is key, so call us if you notice any of these signs.
𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗸 𝗙𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 (𝗛𝘆𝗽𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗰𝗮𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗮)
Usually occurs just before or after lambing. Look out for:
* Muscle tremors
* Stiffness or inability to stand
* Sudden collapse
A quick calcium injection can make a huge difference if given early.
𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗩𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁
Keep a close eye on your flock, especially during those final weeks before lambing and early post-lambing. Having a plan and knowing what to look for can prevent losses and ensure a smooth season.
If you’re concerned about any of your sheep, please don’t hesitate to give us a call — we’re here to help.
If it’s outside of normal business hours, our clinic has its own dedicated after-hours service. Simply call our number (06) 7584006, leave a message, and one of our vets will be in touch promptly.
www.npvet.co.nz