Eye Diseases in Lambs

Eye diseases in lambs can be isolated infections or a symptom of a larger problem that could kill the animal if not treated effectively. Shepherds and farmers should de-worm lambs and sheep at least once a month to prevent parasite infestation and hand-check the eyes of each animal to ensure that no signs of infection or disease are present.

  1. Pinkeye

    • Pinkeye in lambs is caused by chlamydia and mycoplasma bacteria. Initial signs of the disease include swelling and reddening in the lining of one or both eyes. Infected eyes will be very sensitive to light and have excessive tearing. The infection causes pain in lambs, and they may refuse food and run a fever. After about a week of living with the infection, eyes may cloud over and develop an ulcer. Severe infections can cause the eye to rupture, blinding the lamb. According to the website for Daneke Club Lambs &Livestock, many mildly infected lambs recover from this infection without treatment. Moderate to severe infections require the direct treatment of the eyes with antibiotics.

    Internal Parasites

    • According to the website for MSU Cares, internal parasites can cause eye problems in sick or underfed lambs. Tapeworms can cause a decrease in blood supply to the eyes, resulting in a loss of "red color" on the inside of the eyelid. This loss of color indicates low body nutrients associated with malnutrition. This condition could lead to blurred vision and blindness in addition to a host of other health problems if the lamb is not de-wormed.

    General Eye Infection

    • Sometimes a lamb's eye can become infected due to an irritant. Seeds, stones or any number of objects can lodge in the lamb's eyes, causing a yellow or green discharge. This bacterial infection can pose a serious threat to the lamb's vision if it is not treated quickly and effectively. MSU Cares recommends treating these infections with a broad spectrum antibiotic ointment twice daily until the discharge clears up.