Vet's special means no one feels fleeced

EXPERT CARE: Franzi Bennedik, 20, of Germany, with a lamb that had been taken into Vetcare Veterinary Hospital in Masterton. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

Ten dollars is all it takes to get a sick pet lamb seen to by a vet.

Masterton Vetcare Veterinary Hospital offer a "$10 diagnosis" for people who bring in their unwell lambs.

"There's no barrier to bring them to the vet and get the right treatment from a proper diagnosis," said veterinarian Heidi Ward-McGrath.

She said it was common for lambs born in the wet and mud to develop an infection which travelled up through their belly buttons. "We can usually patch them up quite quickly."

Most lambs taken into Vetcare stayed for the day and then went back to their owners, but sometimes unwanted lambs were brought in. "If they don't want them, we will adopt them out to some kids who want a pet lamb."

On Tuesday, a 4-day-old lamb had been brought in to be looked over.

"She can't walk and has neurological issues and a fever," said Dr Ward-McGrath.

The lamb was being fed and looked after for the day by 20-year-old Franzi Bennedik from Germany, who had been studying veterinary science in Hungary.

"I was visiting friends and they told me to get some experience here," said Miss Bennedik, who volunteers at Vetcare.

"We try and educate as many people as we can, it's part of our community service really," said Dr Ward-McGrath.