Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
MECHANICAL PNEUMONIA
A type of pneumonia that is caused by foreign-body obstruction is
known as mechanical pneumonia. Specifi cally, this type of pneu-
monia results from fl uid (such as excessive birth fl uids or milk)
or objects entering the lungs. An abnormal birth position or an
interruption of the umbilical blood supply to the lamb can result
in a respiratory refl ex that causes the lamb to attempt to breathe
before birth is complete. This causes inhalation of fetal fl uids,
resulting in mechanical pneumonia. Also, forced bottle feeding of a
lamb with impaired sucking refl ex, improper stomach-tube feeding,
or improper use of oral medications causes fl uid to enter the lungs.
There is no known cure for mechanical pneumonia.
Polio (Polioencephalomalacia)
Polioencephalomalacia — commonly known as polio in sheep— is noninfec-
tious and characterized clinically by blindness, depression, uncoordination,
extreme salivation, coma, and death. The syndrome (which is similar, and
possibly secondary to, acidosis) is related to diet. It is often seen in fl ocks that
are moved from severely overgrazed pastures to lush pastures, though the
exact mechanism isn't fully understood. It has been shown that the disease
is caused by an acute thiamine (vitamin B
1
) defi ciency and that ruminal con-
tents contain high levels of thiaminase (an enzyme that destroys thiamine).
Field experience has shown that changing the ingredients in the diet may
break this cycle and alleviate the outbreak. In the early stages, treatment with
0.5 gram of thiamine hydrochloride stimulates a rapid recovery. Repeat treat-
ments at 2-day intervals as necessary. A lamb that has recovered can contract
polio again if the diet remains unchanged.
Scours
Scours (that is, diarrhea) in newborn lambs can be very serious and has
many causes. Several kinds of bacteria, some viruses, and overeating all cause
scours.
If you are new to lambs, a brief discussion of what normal feces look like
during the fi rst few days of life might help you diagnose scours early.
1.
On the fi rst day, a lamb should pass meconium, a tarry substance that
blocks the anus of a fetus. It usually passes quickly after a newborn nurses
