Health Challenges of Valais Blacknose

Brittle Bones

Unexplained pathological fractures in newborns and fractures and bowing of legs in older lambs. This is a possible genetic disorder of collagen formation resulting in fragile, thin bones (Investigate Osteogenesis Imperfecta - has been diagnosed in UK and Switzerland). Vitamin and mineral deficiencies apparently contribute and can be corrected to prevent, particularly in older lambs.

Clinical Signs & Diagnosis

• Multiple limb fractures in very young lambs
• Older growing animals begin to have bowing/bending of limbs
• Soft/flexible ribs and sternum
• Radiographs: thin cortices, weak bone structure
• Confirmed by pathology/histology/Possible genetic testing in future

Management & Prevention

• Evidence that Vitamin D supplementation daily or periodic injectable/oral supplementation at bolus doses is preventative
• Mineral Balancing (Copper/Cobalt and Selenium in particular appear to be influential)
• Genetic monitoring essential as breed develops to determine if there is a heritage component

Vitamin D Dosing

Courtesy of Maurita Tauni DVM

• Pregnant Ewes: 6,000 IU/Kg 4-7 weeks before lambing
• Newborn Lambs: 50,000 IU total at birth
• Maintenance Dosing: 2-4,000 IU per day for weaned and adult animals

Sources: Injectable A/D/E (not every dose), Oral Sunshine Drench, human products are used by some.

Scrotal Hernias

Abdominal contents (intestine) protrude into scrotum via inguinal canal. Caused by a weakening of the abdominal wall in the area of the inguinal ring as large bodied rams age. This reduces fertility & sperm quality, causes swelling, pain, and welfare concerns. Often hereditary - avoid breeding affected animals.

Clinical Signs & Diagnosis

• Enlarged, asymmetric, soft scrotum
• Differentiate from hydrocele, orchitis, torsion
• Palpation + ultrasound

Management & Prevention

• Surgery possible
• Careful sire selection & exclude affected rams from breeding

Internal Parasites

Worms and Coccidia harm sheep by consuming nutrients and damaging tissues. PUT YOUR HANDS ON THEM - weight loss in Valais is insidious. Resistance to dewormers is an increasing problem worldwide.

Clinical Signs & Diagnosis

• Diarrhea, weight loss, bottle jaw, pale mucous membranes (anemia)
• Diagnosis: fecal egg counts, FAMACHA scoring

Management & Prevention

• Healthy animals are the most parasite resistant - good feed/minerals/stress reduction cannot be overstated
• IDEALLY: Strategic deworming based on fecal testing, not routine blanket treatment
• Rotate pastures, avoid overgrazing, biosecurity
• Select for parasite-resistant genetics (not practical yet for Valais)
• Monitor effectiveness to prevent drug resistance

Urinary Calculi

Blockage of urinary tract by mineral stones. Common in rams/wethers on high-grain or imbalanced diets. Painful, life-threatening condition. Leads to bladder rupture or kidney damage. Higher risk in confined/show animals fed concentrate rations.

Clinical Signs & Diagnosis

• Straining to urinate, dribbling urine
• Swollen prepuce or abdomen
• Restlessness, colic-like signs
• Diagnosis via exam or ultrasound

Management & Prevention

• Emergency: surgery (tube cystotomy, perineal urethrostomy) or euthanasia if severe
• Balanced Ca:P ratio (2:1)
• Provide clean water + salt to encourage urination
• Limit grain, increase forage
• Add urinary acidifiers (ammonium chloride) to diet

Failure of Passive Transfer

Colostrum = first milk, rich in antibodies, energy, and nutrients. Passive transfer = newborn lamb absorbs antibodies (IgG) from colostrum into bloodstream. Lambs are born with no antibodies - they rely entirely on colostrum. Absorption only effective in first 12-24 hours ("gut closure"). Failure of passive transfer (FPT) = increased risk of infections, weak growth, early death.

Key Benefits of Colostrum

• Provides immunity
• Energy for thermoregulation → prevents hypothermia
• Growth factors, vitamins (A, D, E), minerals (selenium)

Best Practices

• Timing: first feed within 2 hours of birth
• Volume: 10% of lamb's bodyweight in first 24 hours
• Use ewe's colostrum, or high-quality frozen/commercial replacer if needed
• Find a ewe with extra early in lambing season, milk her and freeze colostrum

Tube Feeding Lambs

Delivering colostrum/milk directly to the lamb's stomach via an orogastric tube. Used when lambs are too weak to nurse or won't suckle. Colostrum within first 2 hours = antibodies + energy critical for survival. Prevents hypothermia, starvation, and failure of passive transfer.

Procedure

1. Prepare: Warm colostrum or milk/replacer (39-40°C), clean tube/syringe
2. Measure & mark tube for safe depth (tip of nose to last rib)
3. Insert tube gently into mouth → esophagus (not trachea) LEFT side of neck - you will feel tube go down
4. Confirm placement: no coughing, can feel tube along left side of neck, suck back on tube for negative pressure if possible
5. Deliver colostrum slowly (50 mL/kg in the first 6 hours of life divided into feedings of up to 60ml)
6. PINCH and withdraw tube carefully after feeding

Contracted Tendons

Tendon abnormalities at birth - lambs knuckle over. Affects mobility, nursing ability, and early growth. Can predispose to joint damage or infections if severe.

Causes

• Nutritional imbalances in ewe (selenium, copper, manganese deficiencies)
• Developmental issues: premature or oversized lambs, in-utero positioning
• Infectious/toxic causes (less common but possible)

Management

• Mild cases often self-correct in 1-2 weeks
• Good idea to give a shot of BoSe (Selenium and Vitamin E) to lambs
• Support: controlled exercise, good footing
• Splinting or bandaging in moderate/severe cases
• Correct mineral balance in ewe diets for prevention

Splinting Steps

1. Assess: Confirm contracted tendons (not fracture/infection)
2. Pad: Wrap thin layer of cotton or soft padding around lower leg
3. Splint: Place lightweight support splint at the front of the legs (moldable aluminum splint material works well)
4. Secure: Apply vet wrap/tape firmly but not tight, ALWAYS over splint or padding
5. Monitor: Check daily for sores/swelling. Remove splint after 5-14 days when lambs can stand normally