First thing this morning, I decided that I would call the vet surgery and make an appointment for someone to come to look at Edna and Barrel. I just wanted to know that everything was actually alright and that Harrel had not done permanent damage to himself, like dislocated his hip.
I also wanted a second opinion on Edna’s chronic lameness.
A visit was booked for lunchtime(ish) and, while we were waiting, I gave my two patients a few branches of willow that I had lopped off in the garden. They tucked in.
Meanwhile, the dogs needed walking so out we went, over to Clothie (my five acre croft). Lambie came too and went off to talk to the hill sheep. They left and Lambie was very put out.
While the dogs walked themselves in my field (bunny rabbits everywhere), I sat on a rock and Lambie came back to talk to me, giving up on being nice to the hill sheep.
He did try and I told him it was their loss.
After a while, I had to go home as the vet was coming soon. I called the dogs and Lambie and we all went home again to wait.
Vet diagnosis:
Barrel has given himself a gluff (a fright) and stretched his back leg so it is sore but, as he is now weight-bearing a bit better every day, and there is no sign of dislocation, then a few days’ bedrest and he should be fine.
Edna has very soft hooves and the front one is sore from a papilloma that was cut out a few months back and has not healed properly. So I must keep spraying with zinc/copper spray and see how we go. She can stay on bedrest too with Harrel.
Oh the worry but good to know Harrel is ok.
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When I see a post entitled “vet called” I worry but such a relief that neither Harrel or Edna are in serious trouble.
Love the pictures of Lambie coming for a walk with you and the dogs – I think he might be trying to remind you that he started out as a “house lamb” and if he can work out a way of pushing you on a guilt trip for long enough then you might have him back :-} Failing that, just take him for a walk with you and Pepper, he certainly seemed to have a spring in his step in some of your pictures, x
Sorry to hear you had to call the vet, but glad everything can be treated and you don’t have to worry unnecessarily. When my shearer came 2 months ago, as he was trimming my Shetland’s feet, Buddy (the sheep) squirmed a lot but the man didn’t let go. Ever since, Buddy has been limping. Yes I paid a lot to have a vet come and look at him for 5 minutes, from afar (he’s not confined and doesn’t come when called). Probably he just sprained a ligament in his knee – either he will always have a limp or he won’t. It is getting a little better and doesn’t slow Buddy down at all. At least I feel reassured – that’s really what I paid for. Hope your guys heal up easily.
Reassurance is what I paid for. Knowing I could not do more.
We who love our animals ,because they are family after all, can see behavioral changes, can feel changes, and we ,naturally, but the peace of mind ,when the vet assesses the situation & the problem is not insurmountable, just feels like the greatest news in the world. I am very disappointed in the hill sheep & their bullishness. I agree that they could learn good sheep behavior from Lambie who is very forgiving of Gussie’s recent unacceptable behavior. Yeah, Lambie. And best wishes to Barrel & Edna & their quick but thorough recoveries.
I love how colorful Lambie is when he’s fresh sheared — so striking and handsome!