Humans can catch pneumonia from parasites.Taking precautions to prevent pneumonia can help keep your sheep healthy.
Step 1: The sick sheep should be removed from your herd.
Pneumonia can quickly spread from one sheep to another and result in deaths.Make sure the sheep don't share land, food, or water with the rest of the herd by isolating them from each other.If you suspect your sheep has pneumonia, watch out for symptoms such as depression, loss of appetite, and isolation from the rest of the flock.The sick sheep should be placed in a warm and dry environment.Extreme temperatures and humid environments can make breathing problems worse, so this will help it handle its symptoms better.
Step 2: If it's a disease, call a vet.
The vet can use either a simple blood test or a chest x-ray to test for pneumonia.There are no medications to help the pneumonia if the infection is viral.Your vet can give you an antibiotic that will help with the symptoms of the viral infection.An antibiotic can be used to treat abacterial infections.
Step 3: The sheep should be given the medication to help with their symptoms.
This is important in lambs.Naxcel and Nuflor are the most common types of medication given to sheep.The injections are given for 2 to 3 days.Pick a muscular area, such as the back of the neck, to give the injection.If the sheep becomes frightened, you need to have help to hold it.If you don't know how to deliver an injection, have your vet show you how.If your animal has a high temperature, give it an over-the-counter medication.Ask your vet how much to give you.You can give these to your sheep.If your sheep isn't eating, your vet may give you a liquid form that can be forcibly administered.
Step 4: Feed your sheep the right nutrition to help them recover.
It is possible to give your sick sheep a boost with special vitamins given in addition to its normal diet.Any feed store can sell these vitamins.You will want to give them a paste to promote good digestion while using antibiotics.Adding a burst of nutrition to the food is possible with the addition of soybean meal.The sheep needs a feeding tube to be inserted in its stomach in extreme cases.This assessment will be made by your vet.If your sheep isn't drinking, give it something to drink.If it doesn't like water, you can give it an electrolyte mixture through its mouth.It can be squirted into the sheep's mouth or put in a bottle for lambs.
Step 5: Remove parasites if you have to.
Pneumonia can be caused by parasites.The parasites can spread into the tissues and weaken the animal.This type of infections can be treated with antibiotics.Your vet can use tests and observe symptoms to identify parasites.The parasites need anthelmintic medication such as Moxidectin or Ivermectin.The weight of the animal can be used to calculate the amount of fluid ounce (30 mL) per 100 pounds (45 kilograms).
Step 6: Look for changes in behavior.
A general listlessness, disinterest, and an overall dullness is one of the earliest signs of pneumonia.This can be seen in eating and drinking habits.If your sheep is not interested in eating, you should keep an eye on it.Your sheep is interacting with the flock.It may be coming down with an illness if it is having trouble interacting with the rest of the flock.It is standing by itself, away from the flock.
Step 7: Take your sheep's temperature.
If you want to make sure the sheep has time to engage in activity or be in the heat, you can use a rectal thermometer.Your animal is most likely ill if the temperature is above 103 F.If you have never used a rectal thermometer, you should consult with your vet or a friend to make sure you don't hurt the animal.
Step 8: Listen for labored breathing and coughing.
If your sheep is acting different and has a high temperature, you'll want to look for other signs of pneumonia, like coughing.Animals dealing with respiratory issues may cough and wheezy.It's normal for an animal to be quickened, labored breathing in hot weather, so make sure to take the setting and circumstances into account.
Step 9: Look for problems with the eyes or nose.
There may be a discharge coming from the sheep's nose and eyes.Their eyes may be sunken in some cases.The sheep may have a frothy discharge from its mouth in its more developed stages.
Step 10: Talk to your doctor about the vaccine.
If your herd has been dealing with issues with pneumonia, this is particularly the case.Each year, these vaccines are given 4 to 6 weeks apart.Other means can help prevent the disease from taking root in your flock, and these can have limited effectiveness.
Step 11: The sheep's environment needs to be kept sanitary.
Respiratory problems can be caused by urine and feces.The animal can become more susceptible to pneumonia if it becomes chilled from wet bedding.
Step 12: The barn temperature and humidity should be kept under control.
The sheep can tolerate heat and cold, but avoid extreme temperatures.If it is a cold winter night, make sure that your sheep are in a barn that can provide some warmth.Make sure that their barn is not too humid as this can cause respiratory issues.The barn needs to be properlyventilated.Breathing problems can be caused by Stagnant air.
Step 13: It's important to keep stress to a minimum.
Animals that are constantly stressed are more prone to disease.Make sure to keep an eye on your animal if you know that it will be susceptible to these types of circumstances.
Step 14: There should be no overcrowding in your herd.
Animals kept in cramped and overcrowded conditions are more likely to spread diseases.Make sure that they have enough room to eat and have access to fresh air.