ruptured prepubic tendon in sheep

[WolfeMomma]

I have a ewe due early January. She has looked pretty much the same recently, big belly on both sides. Just recently her stomach has completely changed. One side looks like is not pregnant at all, and the opposite side is huge and very low hanging. She struggles to get around, walking is hard for her. Though she is still alert and will hobble over to get grain, and take a few nibbles of hay. Is this normal? Is it just the lamb changing position?I have never had a ewe change like this. I posted pictures so you can see what I mean.
Low hanging side

This side makes it look like she is not even pregnant

 

[Mini Horses]

My goats have some similar changes close to due dates. Often, yes, kids moving. Also, the rumen is less full with forage. Generally this isn't extreme every day but, obvious changes. IMO, she'll be real happy to lamb soon!!!!

 

[Baymule]

@WolfeMomma I may have bad news for you. On our second lambing, still newbies, we went through something called ruptured pre-pubic tendon with my most beloved and favorite ewe. I am posting a link to my thread for that year. The opening paragraph describes my ewe almost exactly like you described yours.

Page 8 tells about the diagnosis, we had to put her down. There are 3 links, only one works now, but it is a good article. On page 10 is pictures of a ewe that survived with the ruptured pre-pubic tendon, but as a pet, never to be bred again.

That year was a VERY rough lambing. I chronicled it all, so that we all could learn. We don't post just the happy stories, this is not Disney. This is real farming, whether you have a half dozen chickens or a full ranch with livestock number in the hundreds. We tell it all, good or bad, so that all may learn.

I pray that your ewe does NOT have a ruptured pre-pubic tendon. I really do.

Baymule's Lambs, 2nd Lambing

We have been watching Sheepalicious the last couple of weeks, growing larger and larger. It was obvious that she was carrying twins. The past few days, she could barely walk, she waddled. Even when I opened the gate and let them onto green rye grass, the others ran a race to be the first, she S...

www.backyardherds.com

I am sorry to have to bring this to your attention. I hope and pray that your ewe is ok, but I don't want you to be blindsided by this. Please let us know how it goes. I will be worried and concerned for you and family and your ewe. I know how much your sheep are loved and cared for.

 

[WolfeMomma]

@WolfeMomma I may have bad news for you. On our second lambing, still newbies, we went through something called ruptured pre-pubic tendon with my most beloved and favorite ewe. I am posting a link to my thread for that year. The opening paragraph describes my ewe almost exactly like you described yours.

Page 8 tells about the diagnosis, we had to put her down. There are 3 links, only one works now, but it is a good article. On page 10 is pictures of a ewe that survived with the ruptured pre-pubic tendon, but as a pet, never to be bred again.

That year was a VERY rough lambing. I chronicled it all, so that we all could learn. We don't post just the happy stories, this is not Disney. This is real farming, whether you have a half dozen chickens or a full ranch with livestock number in the hundreds. We tell it all, good or bad, so that all may learn.

I pray that your ewe does NOT have a ruptured pre-pubic tendon. I really do.

Baymule's Lambs, 2nd Lambing

We have been watching Sheepalicious the last couple of weeks, growing larger and larger. It was obvious that she was carrying twins. The past few days, she could barely walk, she waddled. Even when I opened the gate and let them onto green rye grass, the others ran a race to be the first, she S...

www.backyardherds.com

I am sorry to have to bring this to your attention. I hope and pray that your ewe is ok, but I don't want you to be blindsided by this. Please let us know how it goes. I will be worried and concerned for you and family and your ewe. I know how much your sheep are loved and cared for.

Thank you so much for your reply. When I get a chance I will go take a look at that thread. I'm hoping that it is not the case, but I have a feeling it is this is her first lambing, I had no idea it could happen to first timers.

 

[Baymule]

My heart hurts for you.

 

[WolfeMomma]

My heart hurts for you.

Thank you @Baymule it means a lot that I can come to this forum for help. You guys are great

 

[WolfeMomma]

@Baymule i just read your thread, and took a look at those links. It looks exactly like what my ewe has. Im so upset, I really wanted lambs from her bloodline. She is such a sweet good natured ewe, of course its always the good ones, never the cranky one that hates everyone! I am concerned for the lambs she is carrying, I dont know if i should call the vet and have her come out, or if its a waste of money and she will just tell me to wait it out.....I don't know which direction to go, or what the right answer is.
Do you know if this is something that can be inherited? or is it just a random occurrence?

 

[Baymule]

As far as I know, it is just a random thing. It is very possible that she will give birth. She may or may not make it. Be prepared to milk out her colostrum and bottle feed the lamb(s). It might be a good idea to be ready to bottle feed. Let's see, trying to remember the milk recipe........ 1 gallon of whole milk, pour out 2 cups. Add 1 can evaporated milk and 1 cup of cultured buttermilk. I think that's it. @Mike CHS is that right on the recipe?

I am so glad that you posted her pictures. I had a sinking feeling in my gut, nothing like what you must feel. At least now you know, and know what to expect. You can be ready to raise the lambs and hope you get the lamb(s) you want to carry on her bloodline.

Go ahead and call the vet, she may have advice for you. My opinion is that you will just have to wait and let her have her lambs, just be ready. Do you have a game camera or can you borrow one? You could set it up in a stall so you could check on her. Just a thought.

I am so sorry that this has happened. Big hugs. I can't be there in person, but my heart is with you.

 

[Sheepshape]

OOOOOOhhhhh...I hope it is not ruptured tendons.

She may well give birth OK even if it is, but Caesarians are quick, done under local and usually very successful in sheep. My vets are really stars as regards Caesarians. They only charge £60 to £80 to do the Caesarian.

Please keep us updated about her progress.

Good Luck

 

[Baymule]

This may sound insensitive, if it does, I apologize for it. Could you change the title of this thread to ruptured prepubic tendon in sheep? Reason being, if anyone is doing a search, they might find it and this could help someone else. I have no pictures of my ewe that we had to put down and my experience with it is buried in the pages of my lambing thread. I try to keep in mind what @Nifty said about thread titles and search engines making it easier for someone doing a search for something in particular.

When Sentry had femoral head ostectomy, I started a new thread for that reason. Maybe my misfortune can help someone else someday and give them hope for their dog.

Since this is something unusual that rarely happens, it might help someone else. Big hugs to you. How is your ewe today?