There is something wrong here. Very wrong. We have several vets and specialists working on it, we are testing everything we can think of, the prayer list grows and grows. This morning, after yet another long weekend, we had Blizzard put down.
Dear, turned out to be sweet, Blizzard.
We really have no ideas at this point, but if you are dealing with drought anywhere in the country, keep a close eye on your boys. I realize that our farm and real sheep farms are apples and oranges (we have a high percentage of old, fat "pet" wethers rather than working ewes and rams), but just in case it IS drought related...
Give your best friends an extra hug tonight. And some vanilla wafers. I'm so glad Blizzard learned to trust us enough to eat vanilla wafers with Blossom this spring. He was a good patient and trusted us to the end.
Dear, turned out to be sweet, Blizzard.
We really have no ideas at this point, but if you are dealing with drought anywhere in the country, keep a close eye on your boys. I realize that our farm and real sheep farms are apples and oranges (we have a high percentage of old, fat "pet" wethers rather than working ewes and rams), but just in case it IS drought related...
Give your best friends an extra hug tonight. And some vanilla wafers. I'm so glad Blizzard learned to trust us enough to eat vanilla wafers with Blossom this spring. He was a good patient and trusted us to the end.
36 comments:
Oh Sara -- I am so sorry. Sending you and the flock lots of hugs and prayers
Jean - MN
Oh, I hope it's not the water. It never occurred to me that our low water level could have made our Nubian wether goats sick. We lost two within a month and now have none.
I'm so sorry about Blizzard.
Sending prayers in hope that you find some answers.
Oh I am so so sorry. I am so upset and sad for you. This is just terrible. I hope you find some answers.
We are so sorry you've lost another friend. Drought causes all sorts of issues that affect health in various ways. It's fortunate that your vet is able and willing to go past the diagnosis and try to figure out the why. Don't give up. This isn't your fault. Please keep us all posted as to results.
I'm so sorry. After yesterday's report, I had hopes he would pull through. I say we write this whole summer off.
So sorry, I know a friend told me years ago to not let my goats have the leaves from stone fruit when they turn yellow because cyanide forms in the leaves. Now I wonder about other trees when leaves turn yellow. My neighbor sprays for weeds but lets Johnson grass grow rampant, it is now up to my fence line, it can also be lethal at certain times of the year.
So sorry, I know a friend told me years ago to not let my goats have the leaves from stone fruit when they turn yellow because cyanide forms in the leaves. Now I wonder about other trees when leaves turn yellow. My neighbor sprays for weeds but lets Johnson grass grow rampant, it is now up to my fence line, it can also be lethal at certain times of the year.
So sorry Sara. My heart goes out to you and Blizzard's pasture friends.
I hope you figure out what is going on soon. How frustrating and horribly sad.
No words, just tears and hugs.
I'm so sorry. I'm praying for health and healing for all of you.
The drought here in Iowa is so bad. We have a creek that never dries up regardless of the no rain. BUt this year is different.. There is no water running in our creek.
Sorry to hear about Blizzard it's always a heartbreak when our beloved pets die.
Sure hope our well doesn't dry up.
Hope your day gets better~! Ta ta for now from Iowa:)
Boy Sara, this has been a rough time for you and your sheep. I sure hope an answer can be found. So sorry to read about Blizzard. Thinkin' of you.
I am so, so sorry. Tears for poor
Blizzard. So hard. hugs.
Gloria
It's been a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad summer for your sheep. Once again, I am so sorry for your loss. As the heart heals, may you find sweet memories of this dear sheep to comfort you. {{{hugs}}}
So sorry to read this. Seems like it sure is a week for heartache.
So very sorry to hear this.
I'm so sorry, again, that you had to make a hard decision. This has been a very tough summer. I don't know anything about sheep (except that I'd sure love to have some), but I'm wondering if there is something food-related that only these particular animals were getting? Maybe treats, "special" hay. Perhaps there is mould or some such thing? Maybe they were chewing on non-food items that are contaminated with something (old lead paint?). Sure hope you and the experts are able to figure this out and stop it quickly. Sympathy from Canada. Chris S.
Sara I am simply heartbroken for you. This is just awful. There just has to be a logical explanation. I will pray that the vets or the labs come up with the answer soon. You must be starting to dread the walk out to the barn, I wish there was something I could do to help. Hugs to everyone.
Oh no! I am SO sorry. (Reaching through the internet and giving you a big hug.) I will pray that a resolution is found quickly.
Oh Sara, I am so sorry to read this... poor Blizzard. You must be heartbroken. I do hope you find the reason for this soon. My thoughts are with you and all your flock.
I'm sooo very sorry to hear of another loss for you and your family. I hope that you will find the cause soon and be able to "fix" it and help others. With his trust, He knew your love!
My goodness!!!! I hope you figure out what is going on! That must be very frustrating. Please keep us up to date on what the experts find out.
Awww...how sad for you. (((Hugs)))
That is heartbreaking. I am so sorry.
So sorry, sure hope the vets and specialists can pinpoint the problem so it can be dealt with. Praying that the rest of your herd will not be affected. (((Hugs)))
I just read a blog post by someone else who was having similar troubles. She finally figured out the the goat and sheep had foundered the way a horse can. I never new a sheep could founder, but it makes a lot of sense. Generally Caused by extreme carbohydrate load and overweight animals are most prone. Drought stressed grass is extremely high in sugar. The only thing keeping a lot of animals from founder is the scarcity of grass, it doesn't look like you have that problem. Vets are likely to miss it because they don't see it often enough.
Just one more thing to think about most likely. I hope you find some answers soon and I am very very sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss. It's very hard when you are losing animals and don't have a ready explanation. I went through it a few years ago (never did find out what caused all the losses), and it was so depressing.
We're being warned to change our grains, since all the drought-raised corn will be hitting the market and is potentially lethal to livestock.
Hope your vets figure out what's going on, and that Blossom doesn't miss Blizzard too badly. Take care.
Did Sherman's necropsy reveal anything?
Sherman's necropsy showed standard bladder stones, no toxicity issues, nothing that could be a clue. I took Blizzard along with 20 samples of grass and soil from around the fields. I appreciate being so near UK.
I am so sorry for your losses! How horrifying, to have them getting so sick, with the cause a mystery.
Sending good thoughts that they find the cause, soonest, and sending much sympathy for those who are mourning.
Hugs to you and your family at this difficult time!
I am so sorry honey. I had no idea you were struggling with illness in your flock. How desperate you must feel. To have to lose two is just dreadful. We are so lucky here that your drought was really only our dry spell, just a few months without rain. Is your weather improving? I do hope so.. I wish i could help.. I am so sorry I cannot.. fingers crossed, i shall make sure I drop in more often.. c
Sara, I can't tell you how sorry I am for the loss of your friend. Blizzard only really made it onto my radar when he so sweetly befriended Blossom this summer. I will pray that a reason is found and that you will be able to take steps to head off this saddness in the future.
So many Blessings your way, luv.........
*huggies*
I'm so sorry, Sara. I have been behind on reading my favorite blog posts and was so, so sorry to find this. I hope this is the end of it, and that you can find the cause.
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