Master Keegan - the "Poodle Sheep"

This past summer was extremely wet and hot in Wisconsin. LOTS of rain, humidity, and heat....which meant extra stress on the animals (and people). My little flock of sheep seemed to be doing okay, but then I realized that Keegan appeared less peppy than normal and was losing weight. I figured it was worms, so I wormed everyone with ivermectin. I'd already done this in the spring, but figured with the weather it'd probably be prudent to do it again. However, Keegan didn't really improve and one day his wool started coming out in chunks. After doing some research, I figured that he probably had coccidiosis and treated the entire flock (that is usually the recommended protocol in sheep - treat all of the sheep for parasite issues) with coccidia medication. This seemed to help, but I wanted to be sure that I was doing the right thing so I sent a fecal sample to the vet. Sure enough, I was right!! Keegan's stool was loaded with worms and coccidia. The vet said that this has been a terrible year for parasites - due to the factors I mentioned above. She said to treat the entire flock again for worms, but this time with Valbazen and sulfa.

Here are some photos of Keegan. I think he looks totally ridiculous with part of his wool missing....like someone trimmed him in a poodle cut! I'm thinking that he is on the mend because he is filling out again, showing his old spunky attitude, and getting some downy wool in the "bald" spots.