Lamb Navel Treatment And Oral Antibiotic Use

Do’s

• The naval provides a potential route for bacteria to pass into the body.
• Use iodine. It dries the navel and has an antiseptic effect.
• Treat as soon as possible after birth and if possible a second time 6 hours later.
• Dip the entire navel.
• Wear gloves.
• Iodine is irritant. Ensure measures are taken to ensure it can’t be splashed into your face.
• Keep your iodine bottle clean – dipping navels can introduce bacteria into the iodine.
  • Ideally use something like a teat dip cup so contaminated iodine is discarded.
  • If using a bottle ensure when volume gets low the dregs are removed and the bottle cleaned before refilling.
• Discuss your oral antibiotic use in lambs with your vet before lambing. Consider using ONLY:
  • Once you have had cases of watery mouth.
  • Treating animals most at risk e.g. triplets.

Don’t’s

• Use a spray – coverage of the navel isn’t adequate to prevent infection.
• Use a botte/cup and top up without cleaning.
• Treat every lamb born with oral antibiotics.

Lynn Gibson, Lynn.Gibson@sac.co.uk