Liver Biopsy Results

[Bridgemoof]

I got the results back on Snowcap's liver biopsy...the one we had to put down because his pasterns were so weak.

And the drumroll please.....



....................>>



It showed no sign of any vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Which means the liver biopsy didn't help me to figure out anything that I can do for Beastie, who is having the same problem.

I'm bummed. I will try this Llama Dr.s' miracle herbal "Tendon Repair" mixture and see if that helps at all. Other than that, we'll just see if it gets worse, and then if it does and he can't walk, we will probably EAT him. Boo.

 

[ksalvagno]

I'm sorry you were unable to find anything out. I'm assuming you are trying Dr Pollard's herbs.

 

[Bridgemoof]

YES! Dr. Pollard, I guess you would know since you have Alpacas. I spoke with him the other night on the phone, and he assured me his stuff has been used on all kinds of animals, including sheep. I don't know if there's any hope, but it's worth a shot and I've placed my order and it should be here in a few days.

Have you used his herbal remedies, and if so, to any success?

 

[ksalvagno]

I have used his lactating herbs and they do work. I haven't had too many problems so haven't needed to try the other stuff. But his herbs are very popular in the camelid community.

 

[Bossroo]

Low pasterns are an inherited condition. If one wraps/ casts the anckles shortly after birth, it may help the tendons to be more upright to a point, or surgicaly shorten the tendons ( costs mmmannny more $$$$s then it is worth)... but what about the next generation ? Non of the herbal claims of cures will work. Now, I just may be willing to sell some shoreline property in Arizona ...

 

[Bridgemoof]

I know Bossrooo...it's a stretch. But trying it vs. the alternative, killing him, is just something I have to do for my own conscience.

I think Beastie and Snowcap were both born with the weak pasterns, and weaned at a very young age. That combined with the fact that their big horns wouldn't let them get into the creep feeder, and maybe even the mineral feeder, all those things were strikes against them.

I don't think Beastie will be breeding anybody, sadly. Now I'm on the lookout for a new Jacob ram. The really sad thing is the guy we got them from banded 3 of the 4 males and kept Beastie a ram. Wrong one! Oops! I have 2 other whethers from that bunch that would have made beautiful rams. Oh well.

 

[redtailgal]

I'm not a sheep person, but have been following this thread. This problem comes up with cattle, too, from time to time.

I am thinking these two boys were twins? What the ewe small hipped? I ask because it seems that I see it more in small hipped cattle, esp those that were "hip locked" and needed assistance in delivering.

 

[Roving Jacobs]

So sorry to hear you still don't have any answers. Are you looking for a registered/registerable ram? A bunch of Jacob breeders are going to SAFF in NC next month and may be able to drop off a lamb to you. I was tempted to get a boy from Peg at Sweetgrass Jacobs who I know is travelling that way but I ended up driving to MI and getting a Hillside ram lamb. I'm super happy with this little guy and can't wait to see what he produces.

I would snatch this guy up in a heartbeat if I was still looking http://www.flickr.com/photos/sweetgrassjacobs/7909687868/

 

[Bridgemoof]

Oh my gosh he is adorable!!!!

I wonder how much she is asking for her ram lambs? I might be interested. Beastie has 5 horns, that's why the guy didn't band him. Bummer! But that's guys horns are fab!

 

[Roving Jacobs]

I'd guess between $200-$250 if she's like any of the other breeders in the region. I've talked to Peg a few times about registration issues (she's the registration chair) and she's been very nice so don't be afraid to email her! She's always gotten back to me quickly. JSBA is the most organized and efficient breed club I'm a member of. They need to start giving some other registries lessons!