The 2009 kidding season produced some beautiful babies, insomuch
that we kept seven, the upper limit of what we can keep. However,
the kidding season was made especially difficult because Leslie
came down with flu symptoms, accompanied by aching joints and
extreme fatigue. This made the spring move quite slowly, and
Leslie was unable to enter shows with her usual vigor.
It wasn’t till
the end of April that we had Leslie tested, and she tested
positive for Lyme disease. Although it was a relief to know what
the problem was, it was a diagnosis to take very seriously. We
began a rigorous regimen of medication to fight the disease, which
lasted for four and a half months. It wasn’t until the end of
November that we received the good news that she tested clear.
Although her
intention was to campaign several of her does heavily in 2009,
Leslie’s health and strength limited her to choosing just three
shows to attend. Her success in those shows was significant, and
reflected the quality of her herd. Unfortunately, Leslie’s limited
ability to show left many does in the barn whose quality deserved
to be campaigned much more. We hope that 2010 will be a year she
can show much more, including the National Show in Louisville.
We encourage
any of you to check carefully every night for ticks, and should
you get a tick bite and begin to feel any symptoms described
above, or any other symptoms, do not delay. Get tested quickly,
insisted upon the full Western Blot test, and pursue treatment
aggressively for a positive test. It can be beaten, but delay
means a much longer and more debilitating recovery. We also intend
to have another follow-up test in six months, just to make sure.
Leslie & Larry Sidwell
Iron Rod Farm
2955 Earlysville Road
Earlysville, Virginia 22936
phone: 434-973-8407
e-mail:
lesliesidwell@ironrodalpines.com
