Domsiekte or pregnancy disease in sheep. III

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.