Leif

As soon as Leif came into care, we could tell something just wasn’t quite right, his breathing was audibly loud, he would drool milk after his bottles and his shoulder looked shockingly deformed although it didn’t appear to cause him any pain or trouble walking. After X-Rays and a consultation with a specialist vet, they established that Leif suffered an injury during or shortly after birth that damaged the ligaments in his shoulder, caused trauma to his spine and the nerves communicating with his larynx. As a result, Leif now experiences Laryngeal paralysis, meaning his larynx does not open and close as normal during respiration, this explained our new little friend’s symptoms.

Despite being a little different to everyone else, Leif took on a regular Sheep life like a champion and desired no special treatment at all. Like many animals who aren’t quite born like their peers, Leif came action packed with EXTRA confidence that makes us laugh everyday.

So what does Leif’s condition mean for his future? Just that we keep a slightly closer eye on him!
He has an increased risk of aspirating (things going to the lungs that shouldn’t) and we will monitor wear, tear and signs of pain as he gets older and bigger due to his unusual shoulder movement . That’s it! Otherwise he lives out his days hanging out with his Pal ‘Paddy’ and the rest of the main Sheep flock.

Leif found his way to Shear Existence via our role as an Initial Carer with Lamb Care Australia. Be sure to follow them on social media if you don’t already.