Diagnosis

The ewe presents with signs similar to pregnancy ketosis. She will be anorexic, depressed, standing alone, and sometimes ataxic or down and reluctant to rise. Usually the history of being recently started on concentrates or of breaking into the granary will have to be extracted from the owner who generally is not aware of the significance of this information. The rectal temperature will be normal, diarrhea may or may not be present, ruminal sounds are absent and the ewe is depressed. Blood glucose and other blood chemistries will be in the normal range. Blood pH may be low normal to definitely acidotic coinciding with the intensity of the signs. A rumen pH below 5.5 is diagnostic. Rumen contents are usually easily extracted through the body wall of the left lower lumbar fossa, using a 35-cc syringe and 14G 1.5- to 2-inch needle. Rumen contents also can be extracted per os through a stomach tube. The pH is checked using a multicolor indicator pH paper.^*

Treatment

Treatment is focused on returning blood and rumen pH to normal (7.4 and 6.5, respectively). Rumen pH varies according to the diet of the ewe. The rumen pH in ewes on forages ranges from 7.0 to 8, whereas that in ewes that have been on diets rich in carbohydrates for any length of time may be as low as 5.5. In a ewe on hay and a small amount of grain, rumen pH should be in the vicinity of 7.0. Intravenous administration of 2 to 4 L of bicarbonate (50 g/gal of water [313 mEq/L]) is in order if the blood pH is below 7.2; otherwise, oral medication usually is adequate. Calf electrolytes with bicarbonate such as Biolyte,^† Calf Quencher,^‡ Delyte H20K,^§ Enterolyte,^¶ Resorb,^¶ or magnesium hydroxide^** should be administered orally. Additional bicarbonate must not be added to electrolyte fluids, because sodium toxicity is likely to occur.

After administration of oral electrolytes, ruminal contents should again be tested for pH and further medication administered if necessary. Mineral oil can be given orally to promote rapid evacuation of the rumen, and an oral antibiotic such as neomycin or tetracycline given to reduce the activity of the fermenting bacteria. Flunixin meglumine^†† injections (150–250 mg given intramuscularly) will make the animal more comfortable. Bicarbonate treatment usually has to be repeated in 2 to 4 hours, as determined by the amount of depression and results of another rumen tap.

A rumenotomy to remove the fermenting ruminal contents is the treatment of choice, particularly in severe cases; however, most owners balk at the cost of the surgery.

Prevention

Prevention is focused on starting supplemental concentrate feeding slowly (no more than ¼ pound per feeding), increasing the amount fed no sooner than every 3 to 4 days and no more than ¼ pound at a time. Ground, cracked, or rolled grains should not be substituted for whole grain unless the amount is cut by half. About 24 inches of feed bunk space per unshorn adult ewe should be allowed. Ewes close to lambing, which are large and awkward, should be separated from the more mobile and agile ewes so that competition for the concentrates is relatively even and none are able to overeat.

Treatment

Pelvic fractures often heal on their own; however, the healed bone may be somewhat malaligned, causing narrowing of the pelvic opening with the risk of future dystocia. Fractures of the long bones are more difficult to manage. Use of Thomas splints usually is not feasible; the ewe generally is too clumsy and heavy to get up and walk with the device while she is still pregnant. The ewe typically will remain down for the remainder of her pregnancy. After lambing, if the tendons of the front limbs have not become contracted, some ewes become mobile, depending on the location and severity of the trauma.

Most owners will not agree to the expense of x-ray films or surgery. Many, however, are very willing to devote time to nursing care. Providing a place for the ewe unmolested by the rest of the flock, stretching the front legs daily, keeping her well bedded, and turning her once a day to prevent decubitus ulcers are recommended measures.

Prevention is similar to that for acidosis. Enough bunk space and the separation of ewes heavy with multiple fetuses will keep injuries at a minimum.

Diagnosis

The most diagnostic sign of hydrops is the huge size of the abdomen. Ballottement performed through the body wall or ultrasound imaging will suggest excessive fluid. Often the ewe is depressed and anorexic, although if the condition has been present for only a short time she may still be alert and eating. Rectal temperature and blood parameters generally are normal.

Treatment

This condition carries a grave prognosis because the increasing size of the abdomen puts pressure on both the rumen and the diaphragm, reducing their capacity. Induction of parturition is in order, although dystocia with ensuing shock, dehydration, and death is not an uncommon outcome. Several injections of dexamethasone (10 mg, 24 hours apart) may have to be administered.

Dystocia occurs because the enlarged uterus tends to be atonic and probably is unable to push the fetus into the birth canal. There may be failure of the cervix to dilate, and the fetus may be hard to reach during attempts to help. The fetus(es) usually is small in size and often premature and born dead. Fetal ascites, anasarca, or maceration also can be observed and, in the bovine, usually is associated with hydrops allantois. Hypovolemic shock is the usual cause of death in the ewe, which dies during or just after parturition. Surviving ewes probably should be culled.

Diagnosis

The clinical signs appear suddenly. Initially the ewe appears agitated or anxious, and tremors may be evident. As the problem progresses, the ewe goes down and may be found with the hind legs extended behind. The head may be stretched out or folded back into the flank as seen in the cow. The animal may be unresponsive and appear comatose. Regurgitation through the nose is not uncommon, and bloat occasionally may be present.

Response to intravenous calcium solutions designed for bovine milk fever is diagnostic but is confirmed by serum calcium determination, which will be below 4.5 mg/dl.