Bloat in Lambs equals a terrifying experience

Bobbert began coughing, mucus bubbled from the side of his mouth. His back teeth made a grinding noise. Symptoms fitting that of chocking. His stomach not hard or distended.

With in moments he was struggling for breath and falling to the ground. Husband jumped into action, sticking his finger down Bobbert’s mouth in attempts to dislodge whatever it is he was chocking on. Husband got bit for his efforts. Blood was drawn and Husband worries about becoming a weresheep now.

Stomach still not showing signs of bloat. But I am now at a loss. Bobbert is at this point have seizure like symptoms, thrashing and struggling to baa in Husband’s lap.

I have never dealt with bloat in any of my animals before. This was a new, and terrifying experience for us. However I do research, and suddenly was recalling some of the things I learn. I quickly drenched Bobbert with 1/4 tablespoon veggie oil and 1/2 teaspoon water. Followed by some watered down pepto. husband yelled at me that I was drowning him. He of little faith! Suddenly Bobbert’s heart rate was no longer race car levels, and standing with balance. Of course I get to be smug now.

All this happened in a five minute time frame. If I hadn’t known what to do, Bobbert would have been dead within a few moments. Suffocating.

He breathing is no longer labored. He is standing and staring. For now he will be ok. But for us, this is yet another drama involving this little ram. We almost lost him a few days ago because of the formula we had for him. After a saltine and sugar water, his system was cleared of that poisonous swill and he was back to his normal self. And now the bloat. He will have a stricter diet for the next few days, reduced amounts of everything. And we will slowly increase it over the week. I should have paid a bit more attention, but after the formula debacle, he had stopped eating for almost 48 hours, only taking water. I was thrilled he was eating again. But it was too much too fast.

He might be the death of me.

Lesson for the neophyte ‘steaders, do lots of research because you never know when you might need it. Don’t wait until the last minute to google it.