Diseases of winter housed sheep
Prescott, J.N.
Veterinary Record 123(21): 554-555
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 3206810 Document Number: 306187
An increased incidence of ventral abdominal rupture during late pregnancy and of mastitis in the early stages of lactation is reported in a large flock of approximately 800 breeding ewes. The ewes were housed and clipped in winter. An average of 7 cases per year of ventral abdominal rupture were seen and examination of affected ewes showed bruising of the abdominal musculature. In spring 1988, 60 cases of mastitis due to Escherichia coli were seen in ewes approximately 2-4 weeks after lambing. All ewes were free of mastitis when turned out at 3-5 days after lambing. It is suggested that loss of the cushioning effect of a thick wool coat may lead to abdominal bruising and ventral rupture and loss of wool may lead to a greater chilling of teats making coliform infection of the udder more likely.