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Lamb still has live worms after deworming and won't eat. What now?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Other | Unknown - Other | Female | unspayed

I have a lamb that was starting to get very skinny. I noticed yesterday that there were worms coming out of his butt. Lots! I dewormed him and poured iodine on his rear. Checked him this morning and there are still Lots of worms coming out and they are alive. The lamb is drinking but i havent seen him eat.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on August 7th, 2017

They may look alive because it will take a little time for the dewormer to work and kill the worms. When there is a very high worm burden, you will see live and dead worms coming out for many days, or even weeks. I would recommend that Cotton see a vet for evaluation and fecal parasite testing and count. She may need a different dewormer. Occasionally, when there are a lot of worms that die all at once, the body can have an allergic reaction or the worms can even create an intestinal blockage which would cause your lamb to not want to eat, she may need veterinary treatment.
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