We had a call from the vet yesterday with the results from the sample of poo I'd taken in the morning..... to say that he had a clostridial infection and that we could pick up a drench for him from the surgery...... There are several types of Clostridial infection, some are instantly fatal, but this one is not.... All the lambs in the field had to be dosed as it is infectious, making it imperative that we are vigilant about cleaning bottles and teats properly ... so last night we rounded them all up and squirted 10ml down each lamb with a syringe... took a bit of adjusting the technique, but after 2 we got it sorted with none being wasted or being spat out..........
This morning Max is a little weaker and slightly pathetic, he must have a horrible tummy ache....... I gave him a bottle, he took half the usual quantity, at least it will keep him hydrated. Then he curled up against the fence and didn't follow Mitsie and the others back round into the other side of the field.
He mewed at me when I went to stroke him, so I picked him up and took him round myself. I called for Mitsie, thank goodness some sheep know their names... its so useful, and she responded without any fuss, coming straight up to me, but wondered why I was carrying her lamb? I put him down and he walked up the field with her and his brother. He's much better off surrounded by the flock rather than feeling abandoned and alone.
I generally call at the field twice a day, morning and evening, but today went back at lunchtime, and gave Max another bottle..... he took it very well, but didn't want much, so I made him take a good half, which is what he usually wants.... he fought a little which is a good sign that he hasn't given up.... he still has a runny bottom, and it's still green not black..... which is a good sign as black would signify the end.
I'll return later to give him his tea.. like any animal, we must keep his fluids up to stand any chance of getting over this!