CAUSE

Multifactorial disorder of energy metabolism. (The accumulation in blood of acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate and their decarboxylation products acetone and isopropanol). The disease occurs in different parts of the pregnancy—lactation cycle.

SYMPTOMS

Sheep have encephalopathy with blindness, muscle tremor, convulsions, metabolic acidosis and a clinical course of 2—8 days, usually terminating fatally unless treated early.

TREATMENT

Parenteral glucose with corticosteroid and oral glucose precursors such as propylene glycol, occasionally insulin or oral glucose and electrolyte therapy. Caesarian section or induction of parturition.

CONTROL

Correction of energy imbalance. Herd and flock biochemical monitoring.