A Limping Sheep May Be Warning You of a Foot Problem

Lameness can reduce a sheep’s grazing, weight gain and breeding performance. It may also point to a painful foot condition that could spread through the flock. Watch for sheep that walk slowly, kneel to graze, lift a foot or stay away from the group. Move the animal to a clean, dry area and inspect its legs and feet gently. Check for stones, swelling, heat, damaged hoof horn, tenderness, bad smell or moisture between the claws. Separate clearly affected sheep while you identify the cause, and keep water and feeding areas dry and clean. Avoid treating every limp the same way. Excessive trimming or the wrong medication can worsen the problem. Consult an animal-health professional to determine whether the issue is an injury, foot rot or another condition, and to protect the rest of the flock. How often do you watch your sheep walk before feeding?

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