Ovine pregnancy toxaemia or twin lamb disease is most commonly seen in the last month of gestation and in multiparous ewes carrying three or more lambs. Plus, it is associated several weeks’ energy underfeeding.

It may have a serious economic impact with response to treatment being poor with mortality rates around 70 per cent. Many ewes have a fatty liver adversely affecting treatment outcome.

Clinical signs of the disease include clear disorientation and isolation from the flock. Affected sheep are dull and depressed and easily caught because they are blind. You may see sheep pressing her head into the corner of a pen/fence. Physical symptoms include continuous fine muscle tremors around the muzzle and affecting the ears, and the ewe becomes recumbent with the hind legs held out behind.

Diagnosis

The important differential diagnoses are

• Hypocalcaemia

• Listeriosis

• Impending abortion

• Cerebrocortical necrosis (CCN).

Diagnosis is based upon clinical signs and is confirmed on blood samples.

Treatment

Response to treatment is generally poor. Ewes should be penned separately and offered palatable feeds to promote appetite. Oral propylene glycol or concentrated oral rehydration solution should be given as well as glucocorticoid injection.

Ovine pregnancy toxaemia can be prevented through scanning ewes and appropriate ration fed based on foetal numbers. The body condition scores should be monitored throughout pregnancy and ther energy supply checked by measuring BHB in blood samples six weeks before lambing.

Also, ensure sufficient space is available for all the ewes around troughs and ring feeders. All feed should be weighted accurately especially when using a snacker.

Disease control and prevention should be part of your veterinary health care so consult your vet.