The relief of Marcel getting better was quickly dampened by Sherman having trouble. We treated him as aggressively as we could, but ended up having him put down this morning. Such a sweet, sweet boy.
They are not sure if it's residual damage from the drought (mild nitrate poisoning can apparently mimic a phosphorus/calcium imbalance and other nutritional abnormalities and would be common during and after a drought because the plants in the field are stressed and do not chemically act right), a supplemented mineral issue, something completely unrelated or just general bad luck to have two sheep in less than two weeks with similar problems after years of none. We sent him for a necropsy in case there was anything to learn.
Making a call to end an animal's life, especially a dear friend, is tough. Seldom are you 100% sure you are doing the right thing. You frequently struggle with worrying that you didn't give them quite enough time (or too much time), maybe the meds would eventually help, maybe the animal themselves isn't ready. Sherman was ready.
As I was scrolling back looking at pictures I found this series. These might be my favorite pictures of one of my favorite sheep.
He was a good sheep. Even Comby would agree.
They are not sure if it's residual damage from the drought (mild nitrate poisoning can apparently mimic a phosphorus/calcium imbalance and other nutritional abnormalities and would be common during and after a drought because the plants in the field are stressed and do not chemically act right), a supplemented mineral issue, something completely unrelated or just general bad luck to have two sheep in less than two weeks with similar problems after years of none. We sent him for a necropsy in case there was anything to learn.
Making a call to end an animal's life, especially a dear friend, is tough. Seldom are you 100% sure you are doing the right thing. You frequently struggle with worrying that you didn't give them quite enough time (or too much time), maybe the meds would eventually help, maybe the animal themselves isn't ready. Sherman was ready.
As I was scrolling back looking at pictures I found this series. These might be my favorite pictures of one of my favorite sheep.
He was a good sheep. Even Comby would agree.
2 comments:
This is a lovely picture. So sorry to hear that you had to let a special friend go. But what a perfect way to summarize the thoughts that plague us when we are trying to make that tough decision. Very well put.
I am so sorry, Sara! My heart breaks for you. It is hard...one of the hardest to do. At least his pain is over...{{{{ HUGS}}}}.
Linda
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