Dorper foaming at the mouth and vomiting

soarwitheagles

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Hi everyone!

So sorry I have been away for so long! Just finished feeding the flock grain, dried clover, and hay when suddenly, one of our 1 year old white dorpers began foaming at the mouth [white foam]. She next began to jump up and down as if trying to dislodge something from her throat. Finally, she vomited up a brownish substance.

She is presently standing alone, not looking so good.

Any suggestions?

I did through some green garden plants over the fence earlier today [squash plants, bean plants, etc.]

Might that have something to do with this?

As a side note, I have been feeding the entire flock with hay, clover, and grain for months without any problems.

Thank you,

Soar
 

frustratedearthmother

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I know nuttin' about sheep - but does she appear to be bloated? Have you taken her temp? Do you have a vet available? I wish I had anwers for you, but I'm sure someone will come along who knows much more than me. Good luck!
 

norseofcourse

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I've had a sheep (two actually) foaming at the mouth, shaking its head, and jumping around, and it was choking - it had eaten so fast it was choking, and it did eventually dislodge what it was choking on and was fine after awhile.

What happened with yours sounds similar, but the vomiting would concern me, as would the 'standing alone not looking so good'. Mine were back to normal within a few minutes.

Can she swallow? Have you seen her drink anything? And what @frustratedearthmother said - does she appear to be bloating? Is her temp normal? If you have a good vet or a nearby sheep mentor you may want to give them a call.

Good luck with her.
 

soarwitheagles

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Thank you everyone for your informative posts. Norse, the symptoms you described were nearly exactly what this Dorper exhibited. I think the vomiting was clearing the airway on the poor girl. Good news: within an hour, she is back at the feeding trough, eating like a little piggy again, big smile on her face. If it happens again, I may try the Heimlich Maneuver on her, but if it gets worse, rather than do CPR, we will simply have a large, all you can eat, neighborhood sheep barbecue.

Thanks again everyone!

Soar
 

Sheepshape

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soarwitheagles....glad she's doing well.

Frothing,foaming etc is usually choking or poisoning, though a severe pneumonia can look similar. With pneumonia, though, the animal is usually VERY ill and has quick, gasping breaths.

SO glad to hear she is just a greedy beggar.
 

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