Diseases of the neonatal lamb 1 Flashcards
Define neonatal period
The period immediately after birth
1-2 weeks
Define the perinatal period
The period around parturition
When are neonatal losses most likley to occur?
At lambing
Intra-partum defines which period?
0-24hrs after birth
Name some intra-partum problems affecting lambs
- Born dead
- ‘Birth stress’ resulting in a failure to suck, hypothermia etc.
- Anoxia/hypoxia
- Ruptured liver
- Fractured ribs
- Brain haemorrhage
Name some post-partum problems affecting lambs
- Hypothermia
- Starvation
- Infections
- Predation
- Congenital defects
Name some post-partum infections of lambs
- Watery mouth
- Salmonella
- Cryptosporidia
- Septicaemia
- Joint ill
- Clostridial disease
- Pasturella
Name some ewe risk factors for lamb losses
- Genetics
- Mothering ability: dystocia, milk porduction
- Ewe health
- Ewe nutrition
- Number of lambs
- Stress
- Vaccination
- Colostrum
Name some lamb risk factors for lamb losses
- Birth weight
- Congenital abnormalities
- Lamb vigour
- Vaccination
Name some environmental factors for lamb losses
- Hygiene
- Equipment: tagging, feeding, castration
- Naval dipping
- Shelter
- Weather
How much colostrum should be given in
1. first feed
2. over 24hrs
- 50ml/kg
- 200ml/kg
How can success/failure of passive transfer be assessed?
IgG
Serum total protein
What are some risk factors for poor colostrum intake?
- Concurrent disease: dystocia, lameness, fluke
- Breeding
- Age of ewe
- Multiple births
- Environment: stress, weather, mis-mothering
What can be used to assist milking single ewes for colostrum?
10-15iu oxytocin IM
Describe goat colostrum as a substitute for lambs
- Good antibody spectrum
- Similar energy content
- Must be CAE negative flocks
What does CAE stand for?
Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis - viral disease of goats
Describe cow colostrum as a substitute for lambs
- Johnes and TB -ve
- Less energy so need 30% more
- immunological anaemia can occur but not common
What are some risk factors for primary hypothermia?
- Outdoor lambing
- Younger ewes
- Wet weather
- Small birth weight
- Failure to feed