Sudden Death in Lambs Flashcards
List 11 causes of sudden death in lambs other than clostridia
Acidosis Septicaemic pasteurellosis Systemic pasteurellosis Polioencephalomalacia (CCN) Obstructive urolithiasis Nematodirus and cocci Red gut Poisoning Nephrosis Trauma Anthrax
Describe the pathology of septicaemic pasteurellosis
Mannheimia haemolytica
Describe the pathology of systemic pasteurellosis
Pasteurella trehalosi
Recently weaned lambs
Brought on by stress
What are the clinical signs of septicaemic pasteurellosis?
Depression
Pyrexia > 41 degrees
Toxic mm
Dyspnoea
What are the clinical signs of systemic pasteurellosis?
Begins with pneumonia which quickly progresses to septicaemia
How is pasteurellosis diagnosed?
Hx
CS
PM - oedematous and congested lungs, haemorrhagic LN, petechiae on serosa, hepatitis, pleurisy, pericarditis
How is pasteurellosis treated?
1 large dose of Oxytetracycline
How can pasteurellosis be prevented?
Vaccination - takes 6-8wks for it to become effective, doesn’t cause ultimate prevention but will reduce incidence
Describe the pathology of acidosis
Sudden and new intake of high quantities of fermentable CHO
Sheep and lambs on stubble pasture
Causes ruminal and metabolic acidosis
What are the clinical signs of acidosis?
Death
How is acidosis daignosed?
Hx
CS
PM - rumen contents = porridge, rancid odour, sloughed epithelium, pH
How is acidosis treated?
Is tx cost effective?
Correct acidosis and dehydration with fluids
Give a rumen function stimulant
How can acidosis be prevented?
Introduce grain gradually over a period of about 3 weeks, ensure access to good quality roughage.
Describe the pathogenesis of polioencephalomalacia
Occurs in adults and weaned lambs
Preceeded by diet change (?), disruption in normal feeding within the past 2 weeks
Induces a thiamine deficiency
What are the clinical signs of polioencephalomalacia?
Start by going blind Wandering Stargazing Head pressing High, stepping gait Dorso-medial strabismus Recumbency, seizures
How is CNN diagnosed?
Faecal/ruminal fluid/blood sample - decreased erythrocyte transketolase and increased thiaminase
Based on CS and response to tx
PM - cerebral cortex flurousces, bilateral laminar necrosis
What are the ddx for CCN?
Acidosis, PT, Listeriosis, focal symmetrical encephalomalacia
How is CCN treated?
IV VitB1 and dexamethasone
Usually improve within 24hrs
May remain blind for 2-3 weeks
