Hypothermia and Hypoglycemia in small ruminant neonates

Question 1

What body temperature must lambs maintain at birth?

Answer 1

102.2-104 F.

Question 2

What is the temperature range for mild-moderate hypothermia?

Answer 2

98.6-102.2 F.

Question 3

What is the temperature range for severe hypothermia?

Answer 3

Less than 98.6 F.

Question 4

What are the risk factors for hypothermia?

Answer 4

1. Increased body surface area-Small lambs and those that are siblings are more at risk.
2. Maternal care-How quickly does the ewe dry the lamb?
3. Coat insulation-thin-coated lambs are more susceptible.
4. Drafty/Cold/Rainy conditions or environment.

Question 5

What are some methods for preventing hypothermia?

Answer 5

1. Ensure colostrum intake ASAP.
2. Indoor lambing.
3. Observation of lambing-allows for quick transport to indoor enclosure.
4. Excellent maternal nutrition-to maximize placental size.
5. Short lambing season (via estrous synchronization?)-decreased labor needs.

Question 6

What type of fat do lambs accumulate in-utero?

Answer 6

Brown fat.

Question 7

How does ewe nutrition during gestation impact brown fat accumulation in lambs?

Answer 7

Poor ewe nutrition leads to reduced brown fat reserves in newborn lambs.

Question 8

What is brown fat used for?

Answer 8

It is used to generate energy and maintain body temperature in newborn lambs.

Question 9

What initiates the use of brown fat?

Answer 9

1. Oxygen intake.
2. Colostrum consumption.
   *Weak lambs that are unable or slow to nurse may have a delayed start to brown fat metabolism.

Question 10

How long do brown fat stores last once they start being metabolized?

Answer 10

5-12 hours.

Question 11

What happens once all of the brown fat has been consumed?

Answer 11

The lamb must get energy and heat from milk.

Question 12

What is a lamb at risk of if they do not get enough energy from milk?

Answer 12

1. Hypoglycemia.
2. Hypothermia.

Question 13

What are the signs of hypothermia and -glycemia?

Answer 13

1. Decreased to absent suckle reflex.
2. Weakness.
3. Seizures (lack of glucose to the brain).
4. Lethargy.

Question 14

What is the goal of treating hypothermia/-glycemia?

Answer 14

Provide warmth and nutrition.

Question 15

What is the ideal amount of colostrum to tube feed initially?

Answer 15

50 mL/kg.

Question 16

What is the treatment plan for hypothermia/-glycemia for a lamb that cannot swallow?

Answer 16

The lamb needs to be warmed and provided with glucose via intraperitoneal injection (done by a veterinarian).
*Warm with circulating air as opposed to direct heat. Use a warming box.

Question 17

What are the necessary supplies for orogastric intubation?

Answer 17

1. Catheter tip syringe.
2. Red Rubber catheter.
   *Requires proper training to perform to avoid placing it in the trachea.