Changes

Also Known As – '''''Endotoxicosis – Endotoxic shock – Endotoxaemia – Rattle Belly - Slavers'''''

Also Known As: '''''Endotoxicosis — Endotoxic Shock — Endotoxaemia — Rattle Belly — Slavers'''''

Caused By – ''Escherichia coli''

Caused By – ''[[Escherichia coli]]''

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

Watery mouth disease is a significant '''disease and cause of mortality in intensively reared lambs'''. The disease is often caused by the '''gram negative cocci [[''Escherichia coli'']]''' but can also be caused by other [[Bacteria|bacterial]] pathogens.  

Watery mouth disease is a significant '''disease and cause of mortality in intensively reared lambs'''. The disease is often caused by the '''gram negative cocci ''[[Escherichia coli]]''''' but can also be caused by other [[Bacteria|bacterial]] pathogens.  

It is the unique '''patency and absorption of the neonatal ruminant gut''', designed for [[Immunoglobulins|immunuoglobulin]] absorption that allows the '''translocation of the bacteria into the blood''' from the [[Alimentary System|gastronintestinal tract]].

It is the unique '''patency and absorption of the neonatal ruminant gut''', designed for [[Immunoglobulins|immunuoglobulin]] absorption that allows the '''translocation of the bacteria into the blood''' from the [[Alimentary System|gastronintestinal tract]].

   

   

==Clinical Signs==

==Clinical Signs==

Affected lambs are '''markedly depressed, inappetant, hand their heads low and produce excessive saliva''' which often drools from the mouth in long strings. The mouth and face is often '''cold''' to the touch. As the disease progresses, lambs become '''hypothermic, have decreased rumenal motility and distended abdomens'''. Those that become hypothermic and dehydrated often hasten the onset of coma and death.<ref name="Aitken" />

Affected lambs are '''markedly depressed, inappetant, hold their heads low and produce excessive saliva''' which often drools from the mouth in long strings. The mouth and face are often '''cold''' to the touch. As the disease progresses, lambs become '''hypothermic, have decreased rumenal motility and distended abdomens'''. Hypothermia and dehydration often hasten the onset of coma and death.<ref name="Aitken" />

When lifted or moved, their gaseous stomach contents often make the strange sound which affords the disease its other common name, “rattle belly”.

When lifted or moved, their gaseous stomach contents often make the strange sound which affords the disease its other common name, “rattle belly”.

Lambs may have normal faeces, [[Diarrhoea|diarrhoea]] or may produce no faeces at all due to atony.

Lambs may have normal faeces, [[Diarrhoea|diarrhoea]] or may produce no faeces at all due to atony.

Morbidity in affected flocks can reach '''24% of lambs and mortality may be as high as 80%'''.<ref>King, T., Hodgson, C (1991) '''Watery Mouth in Lambs: Update'''. In Practice, 13, 23-24.</ref>

Morbidity in affected flocks can reach '''24% of lambs and mortality may be as high as 80%'''.<ref>King, T., Hodgson, C (1991) '''Watery Mouth in Lambs: Update'''. In Practice, ''BSAVA'' 13, 23-24.</ref>

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

Detection of bacteraemia and endotoxaemia is helpful but also occurs in many other neonatal lamb diseases.

Detection of bacteraemia and endotoxaemia is helpful but also occurs in many other neonatal lamb diseases.

On post-mortem, affected lambs have '''dehydrated carcasses often with retained meconium'''. Evidence of '''excess salivation''' is often present. The intestine and abomasum are '''distended with both fluid and gas but enteritis is not usually a feature'''. Clots of milk are often present in the abomasums and there is usually little or no food within the intestines. '''Mesenteric lymph nodes''' are enlarged.

On post-mortem, affected lambs have '''dehydrated carcasses often with retained meconium'''. Evidence of '''excess salivation''' is often present. The intestine and abomasum are '''distended with both fluid and gas but enteritis is not usually a feature'''. Clots of milk are often present in the abomasum and there is usually little or no food within the intestines. '''Mesenteric lymph nodes''' are enlarged.

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

==Control==

==Control==

'''Good management practices''' are vital, i.e. maintaining '''hygiene''' in lambing pens and holding pens, ensuring '''colostrum intake and monitoring ewe health and production'''. It may be beneficial to consider fostering lambs from large litters of three or more.  

'''Good management practices''' are vital, i.e. maintaining '''hygiene''' in lambing pens and holding pens by regularly disinfecting between batches, ensuring '''colostrum intake and monitoring ewe health and production'''. It may be beneficial to consider fostering lambs from large litters of three or more.  

Scanning and '''appropriate management of pregnant ewes''' to ensure adequate birthweights of lambs will also help to minimise prevalence.  

Scanning and '''appropriate management of pregnant ewes''' to ensure adequate birthweights of lambs will also help to minimise prevalence.  

{{Learning

{{Learning

|flashcards = [[Watery Mouth Flashcards]]

|flashcards = [[Watery Mouth Flashcards]]

}}

}}

'''Watery Mouth Disease in Lambs''', Merck Veterinary Manual, accessed online at http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/22107.htm&word=watery%2cmouth on 21/07/2011.

'''Watery Mouth Disease in Lambs''', Merck Veterinary Manual, accessed online at http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/22107.htm&word=watery%2cmouth on 21/07/2011.

[[Category:To Do - CABI review]]

 

 

 

[[Category:Expert Review - Farm Animal]]

[[Category:Alimentary Diseases - Sheep]]

[[Category:Alimentary Diseases - Sheep]]