Ketosis/Acetonemia in Cattle and Sheep

17.1.2 Ketosis/Acetonemia in Cattle and Sheep (“Crazy Cow”, “Pregnancy Toxemia” or “Low Blood Sugar”)

This is not an infectious disease. It occurs in cows within a few weeks after calving and in sheep (and sometimes cows) during late pregnancy. When it occurs in late pregnancy, it is often called “pregnancy toxemia”, and mainly effects ewes that are carrying twins or triplets. Cows or ewes that are fat during early pregnancy are especially prone to ketosis. In cows, ketosis after calving is usually a complication of another problem such as mastitis, metritis, pneumonia or stomach problems which causes the cow to stop eating, resulting in low blood sugar (i.e. “ketosis”). In sheep, ketosis results because the ewe is not eating enough calories to keep up with the energy demands of 2-3 fetuses in addition to her own body. See pages 271, 272.

Symptoms/Diagnosis: Symptoms can be vague. Most cows and sheep with ketosis stop eating and become listless. However, cows or ewes may be affected neurologically (i.e. act a bit crazy). Milk production decreases also. Ewes (or cows) with pregnancy toxemia often die.

Treatment for ketosis in cows:

1. Give 500 ml of 50% glucose, IV.

1. Give propylene glycol or glycerol twice daily.

1. Treat any other problem the cow may have.

Treatment for pregnancy toxemia in ewes (and sometimes cows)

1. Give propylene glycol or glycerol twice daily.

1. Consider performing a caesarian section to remove the fetuses, particularly if the mother is valuable. If done late enough in pregnancy, the fetuses might also survive.

1. Give high quality food and water to encourage the animal to begin feeding (an AHA can even grind the feed fine and give it through a stomach tube).

1. Provide good shelter.

Note: Pregnancy toxemia is difficult to treat; the animal will probably die, particularly if it is not treated early.

Prevention/Control: Do not allow ewes or cows to get too fat during pregnancy. Be sure to give enough feed during late pregnancy. If a newly- calved cow becomes sick with mastitis, metritis, etc., treat her immediately.

Note: Sometimes, it can help to make the flock of sheep walk a bit. Observe carefully for symptoms in any of the sheep, then treat immediately.