Is she miscarrying?

[BSue]

This ewe has been with a ram since January. I've been waiting to see signs of a pregnancy but nothing so far. Then yesterday I see some dried blood on her vulva. Again today I see a little bit but nothing major. She is eating and acting normal. Could this be a sign of a miscarriage?

 

[Beekissed]

That's not a real pregnant looking vulva...but I've never seen blood on the vulva other than with a birthing process of some kind. Maybe folks who have had more sheep/goat experience could chime in?

 

[purplequeenvt]

Honestly, she doesn’t look very pregnant to me. What breed is she? Some breeds (like my Shetlands) are very seasonal breeders.

 

[BSue]

Thank you @Beekissed and @purplequeenvt for replying to my concern. I don't think she is pregnant either but I can't think of any other reasons why her vulva would have dried blood like that. I guess time will tell if she is pregnant or not, I'm just hoping it doesn't turn out to be something more serious.

 

[chickens really]

Infection in her urinary tracts or production tissues?
Was she with a male recently?

 

[BSue]

Infection in her urinary tracts or production tissues?
Was she with a male recently?

Thank you @chickens really for those suggestions, I will have to do some research on those two things. She constantly is with a male 24/7 but if they recently mated I am not sure.

 

[mysunwolf]

Overactive rams can damage them and cause bleeding, bred or not. I have had rams that will pursue ewes that are already bred.

 

[purplequeenvt]

Thank you @Beekissed and @purplequeenvt for replying to my concern. I don't think she is pregnant either but I can't think of any other reasons why her vulva would have dried blood like that. I guess time will tell if she is pregnant or not, I'm just hoping it doesn't turn out to be something more serious.

I should clarify....when I say that she doesn't look pregnant, I mean that she doesn't look very far along. She could be bred, but not due for quite a while.

 

[BSue]

Overactive rams can damage them and cause bleeding, bred or not. I have had rams that will pursue ewes that are already bred.

Thank you @mysunwolf , that sounds about right. Thank you for sharing your experience with me. We actually have the ram tied up now because he can be aggressive at times. Do you think the ewe is smart enough to keep her distance? I am hoping the damage or bleeding will heal on it's own with time.

 

[BSue]

I should clarify....when I say that she doesn't look pregnant, I mean that she doesn't look very far along. She could be bred, but not due for quite a while.

Yes, that's what this ewe did with her first lamb, she didn't show any signs of pregnancy until the last month which is normal.