Ovine Pregnancy Toxaemia (Twin Lamb Disease)

ReproductionOvineNew

Key Points

Pregnancy toxaemia is a metabolic condition that occurs in late gestation ewes and is caused by negative energy balance
Most often seen in ewes carrying twins or triplets in the last 4-6 weeks of gestation
- Often occurs concurrently with hypocalcaemia
Clinical signs include anorexia, lethargy, neurological abnormalities, weakness and recumbency
Diagnosis is typically presumptive, based on the clinical presentation and stage of gestation
Treatment focuses on correcting the energy deficiency ± concurrent calcium deficiency
Once recumbency and neurological signs develop, the prognosis is generally poor

Differential Diagnoses

Milk fever (periparturient hypocalcaemia)
Listeriosis (L. monocytogenes)
Polioencephalomalacia
Grass tetany (hypomagnesaemia)

Educational content only. This factsheet is for general veterinary education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Not for use in an emergency — contact a veterinarian or emergency service. Full disclaimer →