in Sheep
- C perfringens type D. enterotoxemia, a classic enterotoxemia of sheep, is seen less frequently in goats and rarely in cattle. It has a worldwide distribution and affects animals of any age. It is most common in lambs either <2 weeks old or weaned in feedlots and on a high-carbohydrate diet or, less often, on lush, green pastures. The disease has been suspected in well-nourished beef calves nursing high-producing cows grazing lush pasture and in sudden death syndrome in feedlot cattle; however, supportive laboratory evidence in the latter is lacking.
- Usually, sudden deaths in the best-conditioned lambs are the first indication of enterotoxemia. In some cases, excitement, incoordination, and seizures occur before death. Opisthotonos, circling, and pushing the head against fixed objects are common neurologic clinical signs; frequently, hyperglycemia or glycosuria is present. Diarrhea may develop.
Diagnosis and differentials
- Sudden death in overfed sheep
- Demonstration of epsilon toxin in small-intestinal fluid
Treatment and control
- Immunization
- Dietary changes in feedlot lambs
- Enterotoxemia in feedlot lambs can be controlled by reducing the amount of concentrate in the diet.