Sunday, May 11, 2008

Sorry, Ms. Grafton!

Lots to see these days, and I've been taking pictures of most of it, but overriding all is concern for Brava. After some mild improvement, she has gotten a bit worse; she's no longer interested in even a nibble of grain, she's grinding her teeth, and she's barely eating enough to keep body and soul together. As soon as I find out the dose and frequency, I'm ready to try the rumen/bloat remedy from Linda Doane at Maple Ridge Sheep Farm. Lois (who sent it to me) says they have used it to support a sick sheep who is not eating, with the addition of ground oatmeal if supplementation is needed for a long time. That's the only other thing I can think to try besides the thiamine-heavy B-complex, steroids, and probiotics we're continuing to give her. She hasn't given up yet, so neither can we, but it sure is wearing.

Happy Mother's Day! I'm spending the morning with my guys, and the afternoon at a dressage show.

That's it for now at . . .

4 comments:

Donna said...

I'm sorry about Brava- I know what it's like to try everything to save a sheep or a goat. I really hope it works...but in case it doesn't you can feel comfortable that you did everything you could for her. But I really hop for her recovery!

Alaska Shetland Shepherd said...

Sorry to hear that Brava isn't mended as of yet. A collective 'we' up here are seeing goat kids with some sort of bug that has been unidentifiable so far also....several have taken their sick kids in to the vet and every kind of swab, blood, and stool samples are being sent to the labs and screened for everything. Animals on IV's, just no definitive answer yet. We're trying everything here...so far I haven't lost any, but others have had losses, and it's beyond puzzling and sad. Hopefully your hubby can get the diagnostics and find the right combo to save her. My thoughts are with you!

Kathy said...

I am so sorry to hear that Brava isn't any better, Michelle. I know just how hard it is to nurse her along - let's hope for a turn-a-round soon.
Thanks for keeping us posted. We are keeping good thoughts and prayers headed you way. (I sure wish I had some magic up my sleeve to help)

Sharon said...

Oh man, Michelle. This has been a hard spring for Shetlands breeders. They are such great guys - I'm still rooting for Brava - and for you.