362 Diseases of Sheep. 



LAMBING IN THE EWE. 



Northern farmers aim to have their lambs yeaned in April 

 and the first weeks of May. In the Merina and Saxon 

 breeds this act generally takes place without impediment ; 

 but in high-kept English ewes, difficult positions of the lamb 

 occasionally require the shepherd's assistance. 



The natural position of the lamb in leaving the womb is with 

 the nose first, and the fore feet on each side of it. But the 

 lamb can be born without much delay which presents with 

 both hind feet and the rump. . 



The general methods of relief are the same in false presen- 

 tations as have been described in the cow, (page 320). The 

 broad rules are, when the lamb presents unnaturally, to push 

 it back into the womb ; when force is applied to withdraw 

 it, be sure that it is exerted in the line of the vagina, and 

 simultaneously with the labor pains, the operator resting 

 when they pass off; and the exercise of traction in a gentle 

 and steady, not in a jerking manner. 



When the pains are deficient, they can be stimulated with 



ergot, as — 



No. 405. Powdered ergot, 



Powdered ginger, of each 30 grains. 



For one dose. 



When the pains are excessive and exhausting, the follow- 

 ing is recommended, to render them regular and keep up the 

 strength : — 



No. 406. Spirits of camphor, 1 drachm. 



Laudanum, J oz. 



Give in some gruel. 



As in cows (see page 323), so in ewes, the womb is liable 

 to become inverted and hang, like a bag, from the vagina. 

 The treatment is substantially the same. It should be well 

 washed with alum water, carefully returned, and retained 

 either by a bandage, or by taking a single strong stitch 



