Sheep drama in Devon

July found us in beautiful Devon, at the start of the lovely hot weather, officially known as Summer in other countries!

Rural Devon in the Summer

We were in a very rural spot just outside of Exeter.  The pets, our first sit for these clients, were very sweet, comprising of two dogs, two cats, three horses and 24 sheep.

The sheep were Jacobs Sheep.  There was a ram and two wethers, (castrated rams),  and 21 ewes and lambs in a separate field.

Jacob Sheep

We had to check on them twice a day as they tend to get their horns stuck in the fencing, especially the young ones, or get into another field.  We made sure they had plenty of water and that they looked well.

One day Tracy came back from the morning check and reported that one of the ewes had a "protrusion" from its behind.  We went to investigate and discovered that the ewe was having difficulty walking and looked like she was in discomfort.

We phoned the vet and he came out to take a look.  We were at pains to explain to the vet that we did not know how to catch the ewe, ( we have seen James Herriott films, where the sheep is waiting in a pen for the vet)  We were willing helpers though.  We were assured that this would not be a problem.

David, a lovely welsh vet arrived, and after confirming that indeed the ewe required attention, we set about trying to catch said ewe.

We managed to separate her, Tracy did a sterling job of holding her nerve as a flock of horned sheep came hurtling towards her, dividing as they reached her, The ewe went towards the hedge where David did a great rugby tackle.  

With the ewe secured I got hold of her horns which made excellent handle bars, keeping my knee on her side to keep her into the hedge.   David got to work on the prolapsed womb by firstly pushing it back up inside.  He then put a stitch in to hold it in place, after administering an epidural.

We had only known David for half an hour but we became very intimate as I was bending forwards facing head-wards, and David was bending forwards facing bum-wards, we were subsequently pushing against one another bum-wise to give each other some purchase.  Where is a camera when you need one!

The poor old ewe was very good, she held steady with a bit of panting, but soon it was all over.  We let her go and she seemed much more comfortable.

We kept an eye on her and each day she improved.  Her lamb got caught up in a big bramble bush, carrying the long tendrils around with him for a day, we tried to get close to him to grab hold of the brambles but he was too quick.  Trouble obviously runs in the family.  luckily he managed to get free himself.

Ewe on the mend

Things we have learned from this experience.....

When looking for a flock of sheep in the summer, look in the shade first they will probably be there. 


Prolapsed wombs can be pushed back inside and stitched up. 

If you want to keep sheep, the ones with the horns are easier to hold!

Something to add to the CV.