What is the meaning of pregnancy toxemia?

Definition. Pregnancy toxemia is a metabolic disease primarily of pregnant does during late pregnancy (less frequently in postpartum, pseudopregnant, and nonpregnant does), characterized by low morbidity and high mortality. It occurs as the result of increased energy demand accompanied by insufficient nutrition.

What causes pregnancy toxemia?

The principal cause of pregnancy toxemia is low blood sugar (glucose). Onset of the disease is often triggered by one of several types of stress including nutritional or inclement weather. The disease is most prevalent in ewes and does carrying two or more lambs or kids.

How do you treat toxemia in goats?

Once pregnancy toxemia is in advanced stages (doe lying down unable to rise), no treatment is highly effective. A common treatment is oral administration of 3 to 4 oz. propylene glycol three times a day. Thiamin supplementation may also be suggested to help jump start carbohydrate metabolism.

What are signs of pregnancy toxemia in sheep?

Ewes in early stages of pregnancy toxemia will go off feed and appear lethargic. Their heads droop and they lag behind the rest of the flock and walk aimlessly. Teeth grinding and twitching is common. Eventually, affected ewes become depressed, weak and have poor muscle control.

What is another name for toxemia?

Toxemia: A condition in pregnancy, also known as pre-eclampsia (or preeclampsia) characterized by abrupt hypertension (a sharp rise in blood pressure), albuminuria (leakage of large amounts of the protein albumin into the urine) and edema (swelling) of the hands, feet, and face.

How does toxemia affect the baby?

Preeclampsia affects the arteries carrying blood to the placenta. If the placenta doesn’t get enough blood, your baby may receive inadequate blood and oxygen and fewer nutrients. This can lead to slow growth known as fetal growth restriction, low birth weight or preterm birth.

Can toxemia hurt the baby?

It can impair kidney and liver function, and cause blood clotting problems, pulmonary edema (fluid on the lungs), seizures and, in severe forms or left untreated, maternal and infant death. Preeclampsia affects the blood flow to the placenta, often leading to smaller or prematurely born babies.

How do sheep prevent pregnancy Toxaemia?

Ewes or does should not enter the last 6 wk of gestation with a BCS <2.5; this can be prevented by good feeding management, eg, adequate feeder space for pregnant animals, sorting (based on BCS, fetal numbers, and animal size), forage analysis (for energy, digestible fiber, and protein levels), and ration formulation.

How do you prevent pregnancy toxemia in goats?

Prevention of pregnancy toxemia and ketosis in goats is via nutritional management and identification of those animals at most risk. Feed intake should be monitored and adapted to meet the need of the doe.

What are the symptoms of pregnancy toxemia in goats?

Early symptoms of pregnancy toxemia and ketosis in goats include apathy, poor appetite, a decrease in milk production (if the goat is milking), a rough hair coat and disorientation. Work with your veterinarian if symptoms arise to administer glucose and electrolytes.

How do you treat pregnancy toxemia in sheep?

How can I treat pregnancy toxaemia? Consult with a vet about the most effective treatment for your animals. A glucose drench or injectable glucose every 6–12 hours will provide a rapid increase in the ewe’s blood sugar levels. Offer good quality hay and oats to the affected ewe if she is able to eat.

How is toxemia diagnosed?

Blood tests to see how well the mother’s liver and kidneys are working. Blood tests to check blood platelet levels to see how well the mother’s blood is clotting. Blood tests to count the total number of red blood cells in the mother’s blood. A maternal weight check.