Hurricane Advice

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Cause: Pregnancy toxemia most commonly occurs in ewes pregnant with twins or triplets. The underlying cause is hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Unlike other species, sheep and other ruminants do not absorb much glucose from their diet. The glucose they need for brain and muscle function must be made in the liver from other compounds. The growing fetuses also require large amounts of glucose, further stressing the ewe’s metabolism. If the ewe is under-conditioned and/or underfed, they are more at risk. If the ewe is of adequate condition, but becomes stressed or goes without feed for whatever reason, they are also at greater risk.

Symptoms: Early symptoms of pregnancy toxemia include isolation from the flock, going off feed, becoming unsteady, and having small fecal pellets and a dull appearance. As the disease progresses, symptoms include impaired vision, blindness, convulsions, teeth grinding and labored breathing. Severe cases progress to coma, and death occurs about 80% of the time.



Treatment: In mild cases where the ewe is still eating, feeding concentrates may be sufficient to reverse the condition. Oral propylene glycol or corn syrup can be used for quick sources of energy. The dose of propylene glycol is 60-200 ml given three times daily. An oral electrolyte solution can be added at a rate of three-four liters per day. In more severe cases, intravenous dextrose can be used to correct low blood sugar. Intravenous fluids may be necessary for treatment of severe dehydration. If it is suspected that the fetus may have died, antibiotics should be used.
 

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