Hypocalcemia in Ewes and Does

Hypocalcemia in ewes and does is less common production disease.

Etiology

• Excessive loss of calcium in the colostrums and milk. The colostrums is rich in calcium.
• Decreased absorption of calcium from the intestine at the time of parturition
  • Reduced feed intake at parturition
  • Ruminal atony / indigestion
  • Deficiency of Vit. D
  • Improper calcium-phosphorus ratio in the diet
  • Diseases of the intestine
• Slow mobilisation of calcium from the bone.

Risk Factors and Disease Susceptibility:

• 6 weeks before and 10 weeks after kidding/lambing
• Forced exercise
• Long distance transportation
• Sudden drop in feed intake
• Feeding with oxalate contain plants

Clinical Signs

• Similar to milk fever in cow.
• Early sign with stilt, poppy gait, tremor of shoulder muscle.
• Animal on sternal recumbency with the legs under the body or stretched out behind and head rested on ground.
• If not treated animal may die within 6-12 hours.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is similar to milk fever in cow.

Treatment

In sheep and goats, the recommended dose of calcium is 15-20 g IV with an optional 5-10 g SC.