Causes
The inability of the ewe to rapidly mobilise energy resources, leading to the system starting to break down brown fats in the body, which releases toxins.
Can be the result of poor nutrition, but often also prompted by a spell of bad weather, stress, such as being moved, handled or chased by a dog, or by sudden nutritional changes, for example if a ewe gorges on fodder beet, her rumen flora doesn’t adapt fast enough to metabolise a different energy source in late pregnancy.
Symptoms
General lethargy, impaired vision, dribbling, lack of bowel movement. A very distinctive ‘sweet’ smell to the breath.
Treatment
Giving glucose orally is NOT effective as the energy is absorbed by the rumen flora.
Give propylene glycol orally (100ml 2x per day minimum) as this bypasses the rumen and provides energy directly to the liver, plus 60-80ml warmed, sterile glucose solution injected subcutaneously. It’s also very important to keep fluid levels up- drenched with warm water. Ewes in late pregnancy need 2.5-5 litres of water per day.
Twin lamb disease can be confused with calcium deficiency as symptoms may appear similar. Injecting 60-80ml CMD under the skin is the standard treatment for calcium deficiency and will not cause harm if the ewe has toxaemia. Recovery from calcium deficiency is usually rapid, whereas recovery from twin lamb disease may take many days, and often the ewe will abort her lambs.