Joint ill in Lambs

 

What is it?

Like other ruminants, lambs are born with an open navel (umbilicus) and no immune system. As you can imagine, this isn’t a great combination in terms of infection prevention; and so it is of upmost importance that they receive colostrum (which is the first ‘gold milk’ produced by a ewe). As well as being a fantastic energy source, colostrum contains immunoglobulins (large proteins that aid in development of an immune system) that are absorbed by the lamb’s gut and become their source of immunity). It’s of upmost importance that all lambs receive colostrum within the first 24 hours of life, and if possible that their navel is sprayed with an iodine tincture product (at least 9% iodine).  

Orphan lambs, and multiples, are most likely to be affected by joint-ill due to the increased likelihood of them not gaining enough colostrum within the first crucial hours of life.  

Joint-ill occurs when bacteria enter through the lamb’s navel and enters the blood stream. From here it gains access to the joints resulting in inflammation, pain and sometimes swelling. Any joint (and multiple joints) can be affected, including those present between the vertebrae of the spine. 

What does it look like?

Lamb with joint ill

  • Joint ill often presents as a lameness in one or more legs that slowly worsens.

  • Lambs spend more time sitting or lying down than usual, or slower to come in to feed than the others.

  • The joint may or may not be swollen, hot or sore.

  • Lambs are usually still happy, bright and wanting to drink.

How does it happen?

  • Joint ill often follows navel ill, which is an infection of the exposed umbilicus (or navel) by bacteria. These bacteria spread into the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body. One of the main sites that bacteria like to settle are the joints.

  • The biggest risk factor for joint ill is lack of colostrum in the first six hours of life. Colostrum contains lots of good antibodies that help lambs fight off any infection that afflicts them in early life.

How can we treat it?

  • As the cause is a bacterial infection, treatment is with antibiotics. The anatomy of joints, however, makes it hard for antibiotics to penetrate them, hence a long course (2-4 weeks) of antibiotics is necessary.

  • Anti-inflammatory/painkiller drugs (NSAIDS) will also be prescribed. This is to decrease inflammation around the joints and to provide pain relief.

  • The prognosis of recovery depends on the severity of the joint ill and how long it has been going on for.

How to avoid it?

COLOSTRUM!! Lambs need 5% of their bodyweight of colostrum within the first six hours. Within the first 24 hours colostrum volume should total to 10 – 20% of bodyweight.

Lambing kit suggestions

  • Iodine spray  

  • Gloves  

  • Clean towel or two  

  • Colotsrum powder  

  • Lamb tubing set  

  • Milk replacement powder  

  • Bottle + lamb feeding teat (and a spare)