Abstract:
(1) It has been confirmed that a sudden and drastic reduction in diet
of fat ewes in the fourth month of pregnancy causes typical domsiekte or
pregnancy disease. The condition was evinced clinically, chemically and
pathologically.
(2) Similar treatment of fat, non-pregnant ewes caused the same changes
in blood chemistry as seen in pregnancy disease in some, and post-mortem
findings typical of the disease in others. No clinical symptoms were observed
in non-pregnant ewes.
(3) In the non-pregnant group no correlation could be found between
chemical changes, post-mortem findings and clinical symptoms.
(4) The non-pregnant ewes survived for a very much longer period than
the pregnant ewes.
(5) A hitherto undescribed pathological finding, namely hypertrophy of
the retico-endothelial system of the lymph nodes is recorded.
(6) Indications are given that the use of alkaline dosing has no effect
on the formation of acetonaemia.
(7) Treatment by means of rapidly active purgatives and sugars is
indicated.
