Lamb and kid disease

Question 1

____ of lamb crop is lost between pregnancy and weaning, and ___ of death is related to management not infectious diseases

Answer 1

10-30%; 70%
ie. it is a big problem

Question 2

what are some common causes of lamb death

Answer 2

HYPOTHERMIA, STARVATION/HYPOGLYCEMIA, PREDATION, abortion, problems at parturition, septicaemia, pneumonia

Question 3

do most stillbirths/abortions/weak newborns occur due to infectious or management causes

Answer 3

infectious - Toxoplasma, Chlamydophila abortus, Campylobacter fetus are common ones and are zoonotic

Question 4

this zoonotic cause of stillbirth/weak newborns/abortion occurs in late winter and early spring, oral tm, sporozoites invade gut and hematogenously spread to placenta, dx on placental lesions with H&E stain and serology, and decoquinate for tx

Answer 4

Toxoplasma

Question 5

this zoonotic cause of stillbirth/abortion/weak newborns is caused by a Gram-negative bacteria. C/S: fever, abortion if it occurs is 2 weeks before lambing. dx with serology, treated with tetracycline, and vaccine is bacterin

Answer 5

Chlamydiophila abortus

Question 6

this zoonotic Gram-negative cause of stillbirths/abortion/weak newborns is transmitted by water and feed. C/S are 3rd trimester abortion (spring), weak lambs born dead, thickened placenta, cotyledons gray, fetal liver with 1-2 cm necrotic foci. Dx with Giemsa stain and PCR. Tx tetracycline. Vx Bacterin.

Answer 6

Campylobacter fetus

Question 7

for an example protocol for abortion: what are important points about handling fetus and placenta? what about if human is pregnant?

Answer 7

remove fetus and placenta wearing disposable GLOVES, put in a strong garbage bag, tied up, and REFRIGERATE.
if you are pregnant AVOID CONTACT with flock

Question 8

what are some causes of mismothering (lack of strong bonding)

Answer 8

-Lambing in group housing
-Physical conditions preventing the ewe to lick off the lamb
-Stealing of the lamb by another ewe
-Iatrogenic

Question 9

what is the #1 CAUSE OF DEATH IN LAMBS AND KIDS IN FIRST 48 HOURS

Answer 9

HYPOTHERMIA

Question 10

if lit is cold, wet, and windy, what happens to newborn lambs

Answer 10

they lose heat

Question 11

what is treatment for hypothermia

Answer 11

warm colostrum, provide external source of heat (eg. hairdryer, heat lamp), dextrose 20% IP or IV 10 mL/kg, milk or replacer 50 ml/kg. for 6-8h, and avoid drafts

Question 12

what are some causes of starvation/hypoglycemia in lambs

Answer 12

plugged teats in ewe, mastitis/hard udder (OPP), poor bonding, congenital defects, large litter/poor production

Question 13

what is colostrum a source of

Answer 13

Ig/other immunologic benefits, laxative, minerals, fat soluble vitamins, ENERGY (heat and glucose)