Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Good shepherds are prepared for emergencies by having a supply of standard
medicines on hand. Such medications include:
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Bloat medication
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Antibiotics
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Anthelmintics (worm medications)
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Propylene glycol for pregnancy toxemia
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Calcium phosphate or other treatment for milk fever
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Disinfectants
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Mineral oil for constipation
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Dextrose solution (as an energy source)
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Footbath preparation
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Uterine boluses
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Clean or sterile equipment (such as syringes and needles)
Discuss with your veterinarian which antibiotics, anthelmintics, and vac-
cinations to use. If the vet is close by or if you have easy access to a farm-
supply store that sells a wide variety of antibiotics, you probably don't need to
keep any on hand. Before you administer an antibiotic, it's a good idea to have
the veterinarian run culture and sensitivity testing if the illness isn't critical.
This tells you which antibiotic will be most effective against the bacterium
that's causing the problem. For example, if a ewe's udder is hard and hot from
a mastitis infection, take a milk sample to the veterinarian. Usually within
48 hours the vet will call back with a specifi c recommendation for which drug
to use. On the other hand, if you don't live near a veterinarian or a good supply
store, you'll need to keep a broad-spectrum antibiotic around.
Iodine and hydrogen peroxide are both good disinfectants for treating
wounds. We clean fi rst with the peroxide and then coat the wound area gen-
erously with iodine.
How to Administer Medications
Follow label directions for dose and type of administration (as well as with-
drawal days before slaughter). The types of administration of certain drugs
are as follows:
■
Oral, such as boluses (large pills) given with a bolus gun or with capsule
forceps
