'Sudden death' in ruminants

Question 1

What are the first stages in dealing with a ‘sudden death’?

Answer 1

1.!!GET ANIMALS OFF THE PASTURE

• Look at environment
• Plants
• Any changes e.g. ditching, cutting plants down
• Car batteries
• Feed

Question 2

What are important histrical questions/findings that are needed?

Answer 2

• Number/groups/fields/ages affected
• Progression of clinical signs
• Vaccination/worming history
• Management changes (treatments, fields/feed, unusual weather)

Question 3

What is absolutely essential for diagnosing the cause of ‘sudden death’?

Answer 3

A Post mortem examination

Question 4

What are some common causes of sudden death?

Answer 4

• Infectious (septicaemia, anaemia)
• Toxin ingestion (plant/chemical)
• Metabolic disease
• Nutritional
• Climate/trauma
• Ditching (exposure of plants)

Question 5

What are some predisposing factors for septicaemia/toxaemia?

Answer 5

• High stocking density
• Flooding
• Nutrtion
• Lack of clostridial vaccinations/improper protocols

Question 6

What are the common vaccination protocols for clostridial diseases in:

a) Ewe
b) Young lamb
c) Weaned lambs

Answer 6

a) sensitise then boost 4-6 weeks pre lambing
b) MDA persists for 12 weeks
c) 2 doses 4-6 weeks apart for full protection

Question 7

What mineral deficiency is a common cause of sudden death?

Answer 7

Hypomagnesaemia

Question 8

What are the two ways a nutrtitional imbalance could occur?

Answer 8

1. Intrisic factors e.g. a change in gut microflora

2. Extrinsic factors e.g. water deprivation