Pregnancy Toxemia

Pregnancy toxemia occurs in sheep and goats in late gestation, and, similar to bovine ketosis, it is related to inadequate nutrition in the face of high metabolic demands. In contrast to bovine ketosis, it is a severe and often fatal disease. Pregnancy toxemia is seen more commonly in ewes and does carrying multiple fetuses, resulting in increased energy demands. Animals are depressed and inappetent and may show neurologic signs, progressing to recumbency and death. Hypoglycemia is an inconsistent finding, and measurement of BHBA is a more reliable indicator of disease severity. Ketosis, ketoacidosis, and reduced hepatic and renal function lead to fetal death, which results in the development of septicemia in the ewe or doe.