How to Control Scours in Baby Lambs

Scours, otherwise known as diarrhea, is a familiar ailment amongst newborn lambs and is identifiable by watery stool. Though common, scours may lead to dehydration and pneumonia --- and is potentially deadly --- if left untreated. Causes can be parasitic or viral, environmental and/or nutritional, but all result in rapid dehydration of the animal. Timely treatment, rehydration and containment of potentially infectious excrement is critical in the effort to provide the animal the best chance for recovery.

Things You'll Need

  • Bottle with nipple
  • Newspaper
  • Latex gloves for soiled paper removal
  • Electrolyte Solution
  • Milk or milk substitute
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the cause of the scours. Environmental causes may be unsanitary surroundings or possible contact with unclean water or infected feces. Viral or bacterial causes may be E. coli, rotavirus, cryptosporidium, salmonella, giardia or clostridium perfringens type C.

    • 2

      Correct the surrounding if it is determined that environmental factors are the cause. Remove the animal from unsanitary surroundings and limit exposure to stresses, such as other animals. Fresh bedding is also ideal to minimize additional exposure to environmental contaminants.

    • 3

      Contain the contaminated feces. Line the lamb's quarters with newspaper so that expelled excrement may be removed. Replace soiled newspaper with fresh newspaper. Latex gloves are recommended for soiled paper removal as many viral or bacterial causes of lamb scours may be passed to humans through contact. Soiled papers should be disposed of in an area where other animals will not come into contact with it, thereby preventing additional cases of scours.

    • 4

      Administer fluid therapy. Mix a bottle with a blend of 50 percent milk or milk substitute and 50 percent electrolyte solution. Feed mixture to lamb. Lamb will continue to scour, as scours must run its course and pass through the digestive system. The key is to try to keep the lamb hydrated during this process. As scours pass, stool will be soft due to the liquid intake, but will not be fluid.

    • 5

      Contact a veterinarian. At the onset of scours, contact a veterinarian as soon as possible. Scours is a serious condition in young lamb and a fecal analysis can pinpoint the cause. Veterinarians may administer fluids intravenously or prescribe or administer medication if necessary.