FAQ / Life on Pern / Craft Information / Beastcraft / Details of Anim... / Ovine
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Last updated 22nd July 2005 by Bree
Health Care of Ovines
Maintenance
Ovines are relatively easy to take care of. Sanitary housing, good quality pasture, nutritious food and plenty of sunshine will greatly help to reduce health problems. Ovines need their hooves trimmed every 4-6 sevendays. This is very important as neglect can lead to lameness and infection. A Beastcrafter teach the proper way to perform this procedure. Ovines also need to be shorn once a year in the spring. UNLESS YOU HAVE HAD TRAINING, HAVE SOMEONE WHO KNOWS HOW TO SHEAR OVINES PERFORM THE TASK. A Beastcrafter will know of individuals in the area who know how to shear ovines.
During your daily contact with ovines, always be on the lookout for any physical or behavioral changes. Symptoms indicating illness include loss of appetite, weakness or staggering, labored or fast breathing, diarrhea, or above normal temperature. Consult a Beastcrafter immediately if of these symptoms are noticed.
Common health problems
Upper Respiratory Problems - A respiratory problem is any condition which affects the ovines's breathing. Symptoms include nasal discharge, excessive coughing or sneezing, loss of appetite, and raised body temperatures. Consult a Beastcrafter immediately if of these symptoms are noticed.
Bloat - This is a serious condition commonly caused by overeating grain or new pasture. Preventative steps should be taken to stop bloat from occurring. Do not put ovines out on new pasture until their digestive systems are adjusted to that type of food. Be especially careful with fields of rapidly growing plants. Gradually introduce ovines to new pasture by bringing them some of the new pasture for a few days along with their regular hay. Then turn them out for only a few candlemarks at a time, making sure that the field is not wet, as a wet field is more likely to cause bloat than a dry field. Make sure feed barrels and bags are completely inaccessible. The first obvious symptoms of bloat are distension of the abdomen, labored breathing, and signs of discomfort such as kicking, grinding teeth, bawling, and profuse salivation. ANY EVIDENCE OF BLOAT SHOULD BE DEEMED AN EMERGENCY - CONTACT A BEASTCRAFTER IMMEDIATELY.
Abscesses - Abscesses are localized pockets of infection filled with pus, usually caused by wounds or cuts which have penetrated the skin. They are indicated by swellings or lumps found under the skin and could be anywhere on the ovine's body. Should any unusual lumps or swellings be noticed on an ovine, isolate him or her from the herd and contact a Beastcrafter.
Hoof Rot - Hoof rot is an infection of the hoof. It is more prevalent during wet seasons or when ovines spend long periods of time on wet grounds. One or more hooves can be infected at any time. Symptoms include: lameness, swelling between claws, and an elevated temperature. If left untreated, the foot will begin to "rot", revealing a foul-smelling discharge. By tending to ovine's hooves on a regular basis and by keeping bedding clean and dry, the occurrence of hoof rot can be prevented. Be sure to isolate the ovine from the herd, and keep the bedding very clean and dry. Consult a Beastcrafter if you have any questions about your ovine's condition or treatment.
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Ovines are relatively easy to take care of. Sanitary housing, good quality pasture, nutritious food and plenty of sunshine will greatly help to reduce health problems. Ovines need their hooves trimmed every 4-6 sevendays. This is very important as neglect can lead to lameness and infection. A Beastcrafter teach the proper way to perform this procedure. Ovines also need to be shorn once a year in the spring. UNLESS YOU HAVE HAD TRAINING, HAVE SOMEONE WHO KNOWS HOW TO SHEAR OVINES PERFORM THE TASK. A Beastcrafter will know of individuals in the area who know how to shear ovines.
During your daily contact with ovines, always be on the lookout for any physical or behavioral changes. Symptoms indicating illness include loss of appetite, weakness or staggering, labored or fast breathing, diarrhea, or above normal temperature. Consult a Beastcrafter immediately if of these symptoms are noticed.
Common health problems
Upper Respiratory Problems - A respiratory problem is any condition which affects the ovines's breathing. Symptoms include nasal discharge, excessive coughing or sneezing, loss of appetite, and raised body temperatures. Consult a Beastcrafter immediately if of these symptoms are noticed.
Bloat - This is a serious condition commonly caused by overeating grain or new pasture. Preventative steps should be taken to stop bloat from occurring. Do not put ovines out on new pasture until their digestive systems are adjusted to that type of food. Be especially careful with fields of rapidly growing plants. Gradually introduce ovines to new pasture by bringing them some of the new pasture for a few days along with their regular hay. Then turn them out for only a few candlemarks at a time, making sure that the field is not wet, as a wet field is more likely to cause bloat than a dry field. Make sure feed barrels and bags are completely inaccessible. The first obvious symptoms of bloat are distension of the abdomen, labored breathing, and signs of discomfort such as kicking, grinding teeth, bawling, and profuse salivation. ANY EVIDENCE OF BLOAT SHOULD BE DEEMED AN EMERGENCY - CONTACT A BEASTCRAFTER IMMEDIATELY.
Abscesses - Abscesses are localized pockets of infection filled with pus, usually caused by wounds or cuts which have penetrated the skin. They are indicated by swellings or lumps found under the skin and could be anywhere on the ovine's body. Should any unusual lumps or swellings be noticed on an ovine, isolate him or her from the herd and contact a Beastcrafter.
Hoof Rot - Hoof rot is an infection of the hoof. It is more prevalent during wet seasons or when ovines spend long periods of time on wet grounds. One or more hooves can be infected at any time. Symptoms include: lameness, swelling between claws, and an elevated temperature. If left untreated, the foot will begin to "rot", revealing a foul-smelling discharge. By tending to ovine's hooves on a regular basis and by keeping bedding clean and dry, the occurrence of hoof rot can be prevented. Be sure to isolate the ovine from the herd, and keep the bedding very clean and dry. Consult a Beastcrafter if you have any questions about your ovine's condition or treatment.
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