Ewes can also have metabolic problems such as ketosis, acidosis or alkalosis. Other causes can be due to management changes such as feed sources or rations that are not familiar or palatable to the ewe. Infections following lambing are quite common and this is the first thing to check. If the ewe has a bacterial infection it will cause a fever or septicemia and reduce her appetite. Treatment consists of antibiotics, B vitamins and prednisone.
Uterine infections respond best to tetracycline boluses placed into the uterus.
If you're unable to get boluses into the uterus then inject the ewe subcutaneously with long lasting tetracycline. Many of the mastitis problems are sensitive to penicillin or ampicillin. Ewes that are suffering from metabolic problems are much harder to diagnose. Treatment needs to be done frequently and often times requires drenching the ewe orally with either a stomach tube or drenching gun. Ewes that have ketosis are actually meeting their metabolic needs by using stored body fat to meet their daily requirements.