By Chris R.
Three months ago we were contacted regarding a very young
lamb with a broken leg, who was destined for euthanasia at a local vet
clinic. We were able to rescue this tiny merino baby, who was promptly
taken to our sheep specialist vets at Farm Animal Service, The Animal
Hospital, Murdoch.
Upon x-ray and examination, it was noted that Fran
Lamb, so named after the nurse who had so kindly contacted us, was in fact
suffering from a progressed case of ‘joint ill’ or ‘septic arthritis’. This condition is all too common in young lambs who have a poor immune system
and/or missed vital colostrum from their mother at birth. This bacterial
infection may enter the body through the naval of young lambs or through broken
skin, then move throughout the body, commonly presenting in the joint/s of the
legs. The infection was well progressed in Fran, causing much pain in her
front leg and subsequent lameness.
Due to the significance of Fran’s infection, her little leg
was surgically opened and cleaned and cultures of the bacteria in her joint
were made. A number of antibiotics were trialled, together with regular
flushing of the joint by veterinary staff and dressing with antibiotic
powder. Fran was an exceptional patient, never complaining about her
constant needles and dressing changes. She worked hard to keep up with her lamb
siblings at playtime, using her three legs to ensure she wasn’t left behind.
After ten weeks of antibiotic treatment, it was decided that Fran’s joint was
recovering. Her legs are still assessed on a regular basis, given the
risk that infection may return if any remnant bacteria are dormant in her
damaged knee cartilage. Fran’s temperature is taken daily to
provide an indication of any pending return of infection and she is rested each
night in the warm to ensure her leg is not compromised from overuse.
Fran will always have a unique walk from the infection and
arthritis in her joint. We are
grateful to the vet staff who assisted her both then and now, giving her the
best chance of walking as she grows. Fran will always be a special needs
lamb and we feel privileged to have her here with us in the Valley of Hope.