Difference between revisions of "Pregnancy Toxaemia"
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− | + | Also known as: '''''Twin Lamb Disease''' | |
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+ | ==Introduction== | ||
+ | A disease affecting ewes during the last few weeks of gestation. Mainly affects twin or multiple bearing ewes. The condition occurs when the ewe does not receive an adequate energy supply during a time when the rapidly growing foetuses drain carbohydrate stores. This results in a sub-clinical ketosis which can quickly progress to a clinical pregnancy toxaemia. It is a serious condition which can be fatal and most frequently affects lowland flocks. | ||
+ | Very similar to [[Ketosis of Cattle|ketosis in cows]]. | ||
==Signalment== | ==Signalment== | ||
Line 18: | Line 12: | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Can often be diagnosed on history and a clinical exam. | Can often be diagnosed on history and a clinical exam. | ||
− | Differential diagnoses include [[Listeriosis|listeriosis]], | + | |
+ | Differential diagnoses include [[Listeriosis|listeriosis]], pneumonia, and hypocalcaemia. | ||
==Clinical Signs== | ==Clinical Signs== | ||
Mainly neurological signs are apparent as a result of the hypoglycaemic state of the animal. Ewes are often depressed and not aware of their surrounding, they can adopt an unusual posture which may progress to ataxia or recumbency. Some appear blind and there may be trembling and twitching of the face and ears. | Mainly neurological signs are apparent as a result of the hypoglycaemic state of the animal. Ewes are often depressed and not aware of their surrounding, they can adopt an unusual posture which may progress to ataxia or recumbency. Some appear blind and there may be trembling and twitching of the face and ears. | ||
− | Ewes often grind their teeth and make chewing movements. | + | Ewes often grind their teeth and make chewing movements. They are also anorexic and may have breathing difficulties and a nasal discharge. |
Some ewes abort which may result in septicaemia. | Some ewes abort which may result in septicaemia. | ||
==Laboratory Tests== | ==Laboratory Tests== | ||
− | + | Biochemistry will often reveal a hypoglycaemia and a hyperkalaemia due to ketoacidosis. Additionally a high ß hydroxybutyrate (BHB) (which is one of the ketone bodies) level will also be evident. BHB is a more reliable measure of disease as not all animals show hypoglycaemia on blood work and some even are hyperglycaemic. | |
− | On urine analysis ketones may be present. | + | On [[Urine Analysis - Pathology|urine analysis]] ketones may be present. |
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
Treatment of advanced cases of pregnancy toxemia is often unsuccessful. | Treatment of advanced cases of pregnancy toxemia is often unsuccessful. | ||
− | Propylene glycol can be given orally | + | Propylene glycol can be given orally that acts as a precursor to glucose. The addition of calciumm, potassium and insulin is also useful. |
− | Hypoglycaemia can also be treated by administering IV dextrose, | + | Hypoglycaemia can also be treated by administering IV dextrose, followed by an oral electrolyte solution. |
− | If biochemistry reveals a | + | If biochemistry reveals a hypocalcemia, this can be corrected by giving calcium IV. |
− | Severe ketoacidosis can be treated by administering oral potassium chloride (KCl. | + | Severe ketoacidosis can be treated by administering oral potassium chloride (KCl). |
− | The contributing factors (eg, nutrition, housing, other stressors) should be corrected for the group and feeding management assessed (eg | + | The contributing factors (eg, nutrition, housing, other stressors) should be corrected for the group and feeding management assessed (eg. adequate feeder space, feeding frequency, protection from adverse weather). |
A blood sample should be taken from a number of ewes in late gestation and glucose and BHB levels measured. This will determine if there are any problems in the rest of the flock. | A blood sample should be taken from a number of ewes in late gestation and glucose and BHB levels measured. This will determine if there are any problems in the rest of the flock. | ||
If it is thought that the ewe has aborted then prophylactic [[Antibiotics|antibiotics]] should be administered. If foetuses are alive a caesarian section should be considered. | If it is thought that the ewe has aborted then prophylactic [[Antibiotics|antibiotics]] should be administered. If foetuses are alive a caesarian section should be considered. | ||
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==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
Ewes should be in a good body score at tupping and should maintain a good body condition score throughout gestation. | Ewes should be in a good body score at tupping and should maintain a good body condition score throughout gestation. | ||
− | Good body condition can be maintained by good | + | Good body condition can be maintained by good management of feeding. Ewes should receive grain as a carbohydrate source and also a protein source so that the [[Rumen - Anatomy & Physiology|rumen]] microbes can make use of the carbohydrate. |
− | It is also important to separate out thin sheep and feed them | + | It is also important to separate out thin sheep and feed them away from the main flock. |
− | Ideally ewes should be ultrasound scanned to determine the number of foetuses they are | + | Ideally, ewes should be ultrasound scanned to determine the number of foetuses they are carrying and then separated into groups and fed accordingly. |
==Prognosis== | ==Prognosis== | ||
Often fatal | Often fatal | ||
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+ | {{Learning | ||
+ | |literature search = [http://www.cabdirect.org/search.html?it=any&q2=pregnancy+toxemia&q1=pregnancy+toxaemia&calendarInput=yyyy-mm-dd&q3=twin+lamb+disease&occuring1=title&show=all&rowId=1&rowId=2&rowId=3&options1=AND&options2=OR&options3=OR&occuring3=title&occuring2=title&publishedend=yyyy&la=any&publishedstart=yyyy&fq=sc%3A%22ve%22&y=12&x=47 Pregnancy Toxaemia publications] | ||
+ | }} | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Merck & Co (2008) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual''' (Eighth Edition) ''Merial'' | Merck & Co (2008) '''The Merck Veterinary Manual''' (Eighth Edition) ''Merial'' | ||
− | [[Category:Liver_-_Degenerative_Pathology]][[Category:Sheep]] | + | |
− | [[Category: | + | {{review}} |
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+ | {{OpenPages}} | ||
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+ | [[Category:Liver_-_Degenerative_Pathology]] | ||
+ | [[Category:Expert_Review - Farm Animal]] | ||
+ | [[category:Neurological Diseases - Sheep]] | ||
+ | [[Category:Respiratory Diseases - Sheep]] | ||
+ | [[Category:Reproductive Diseases - Sheep]] |
Latest revision as of 17:25, 30 July 2012
Also known as: Twin Lamb Disease
Introduction
A disease affecting ewes during the last few weeks of gestation. Mainly affects twin or multiple bearing ewes. The condition occurs when the ewe does not receive an adequate energy supply during a time when the rapidly growing foetuses drain carbohydrate stores. This results in a sub-clinical ketosis which can quickly progress to a clinical pregnancy toxaemia. It is a serious condition which can be fatal and most frequently affects lowland flocks.
Very similar to ketosis in cows.
Signalment
It is seen more frequently in older ewes and those carrying multiple lambs who are in poor body condition score.
Diagnosis
Can often be diagnosed on history and a clinical exam.
Differential diagnoses include listeriosis, pneumonia, and hypocalcaemia.
Clinical Signs
Mainly neurological signs are apparent as a result of the hypoglycaemic state of the animal. Ewes are often depressed and not aware of their surrounding, they can adopt an unusual posture which may progress to ataxia or recumbency. Some appear blind and there may be trembling and twitching of the face and ears. Ewes often grind their teeth and make chewing movements. They are also anorexic and may have breathing difficulties and a nasal discharge. Some ewes abort which may result in septicaemia.
Laboratory Tests
Biochemistry will often reveal a hypoglycaemia and a hyperkalaemia due to ketoacidosis. Additionally a high ß hydroxybutyrate (BHB) (which is one of the ketone bodies) level will also be evident. BHB is a more reliable measure of disease as not all animals show hypoglycaemia on blood work and some even are hyperglycaemic.
On urine analysis ketones may be present.
Treatment
Treatment of advanced cases of pregnancy toxemia is often unsuccessful. Propylene glycol can be given orally that acts as a precursor to glucose. The addition of calciumm, potassium and insulin is also useful. Hypoglycaemia can also be treated by administering IV dextrose, followed by an oral electrolyte solution.
If biochemistry reveals a hypocalcemia, this can be corrected by giving calcium IV. Severe ketoacidosis can be treated by administering oral potassium chloride (KCl). The contributing factors (eg, nutrition, housing, other stressors) should be corrected for the group and feeding management assessed (eg. adequate feeder space, feeding frequency, protection from adverse weather).
A blood sample should be taken from a number of ewes in late gestation and glucose and BHB levels measured. This will determine if there are any problems in the rest of the flock.
If it is thought that the ewe has aborted then prophylactic antibiotics should be administered. If foetuses are alive a caesarian section should be considered.
Prevention
Ewes should be in a good body score at tupping and should maintain a good body condition score throughout gestation. Good body condition can be maintained by good management of feeding. Ewes should receive grain as a carbohydrate source and also a protein source so that the rumen microbes can make use of the carbohydrate. It is also important to separate out thin sheep and feed them away from the main flock. Ideally, ewes should be ultrasound scanned to determine the number of foetuses they are carrying and then separated into groups and fed accordingly.
Prognosis
Often fatal
Pregnancy Toxaemia Learning Resources | |
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References
Merck & Co (2008) The Merck Veterinary Manual (Eighth Edition) Merial
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