Pregnancy Toxaemia

Also known as:

Twin Lamb Disease

Description

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 recieve an adequate energy supply during a time when the rapidly growing foetuses drain carbohydrate stores. It is a serious condition which can be fatal and most frequently affects lowland flocks.

Signalment

It is seen more frequently in older ewes and those carrying multiple lambs.

Clinical Signs

• clinical signs (neurological)
  • apparent blindness
  • dullness
  • convulsions
  • coma
• sequelae
  • foetuses die
  • apparent recovery in ewe until toxaemia from the decomposing foetuses results in the ewe's death