Swollen Knees

[Honey Tree]

We have a 3 month old lamb that has swollen knees.  He shows no lameness, heat or pain, just soft puffy knees.  Any clue what would cause this or how to correct it?  I first noticed it a couple of weeks ago and the swelling has remained the same.

[EmsoffLambs]

Perhaps poliarthritis? This will usually cause lameness though. I would try treating with a dose of LA200 just in case.

[Honey Tree]

No lameness at all.  I will give him LA200.  I'll let you know the results.  Thanks!!

[EmsoffLambs]

I suppose if he isn't structurally right in his knee or lower leg structure that could put extra strain on them and cause inflammation. Happens in horses, though I have never seen it in sheep.

[Honey Tree]

He is structurally correct.

[sheepdog76]

I have had this condition in lambs a few years ago. Usually it is caused from a bacteria infection. Could be from navel ill or other factors for bacteria to enter. An aggressive treatment with antibiotics is the best course of action. The sooner the better for best results.

[Honey Tree]

Should LA200 be strong enough?

[sheepdog76]

In this situation I prefer penicillin versus LA200. I think LA200 is more effective for such things as respiratory problems, foot rot, pink eye and other things.

[EmsoffLambs]

Oxytetracycline was recommendes to me by Pipestine for treating chlamydia caused poliarthritis. Not sure if this is what is going in with your lamb or not, like I said, as it usually causes lameness and eventually fever and illness too. I supoose start with pen for a couple days and if that doesn't work, try LA200.

[sheepherder007]

Micotil has worked well for me in both sheep and goats.  Use of Triodine 7 as navel treatment has been reported to cause micoplasma joint infections as not strong enough to dry cords.  Micotil is dangerous but works for me.  Great on mastitis too.
 

[Honey Tree]

Well, time got away from and I didn't get him caught up to give him LA200.  A few days after the post one of his knees started leaking from a pinhole size opening.  The fluid was basically clear with a tinge of blood.  I didn't mess with it but I kept a close eye on it to make sure it didn't develop into an infection.  It took about a week for the skin to tighten up.  Yesterday, in the other knee, I put a 20 ga. needle into the lowest part of egg size lump.  It immediately started draining.  Aside from the needle stick he didn't have a problem with me squeezing it to get the last of the fluid to drain.  The fluid was the same as that of the first knee.

Thank you for all of the great advice!