[The significance of pregnancy-induced ketonuria in sheep and goats]

Abstract

The last third of pregnancy in sheep and goats is characterized by a considerable reduction in the volume of the rumen. When the animal is carrying more than one fetus there is thus a latent ketosis caused by starvation. A discrete hypoglycemia is in close correlation to this. If other special factors like increasing age of the pregnant animal, chronic liver disease, unbalanced nutrition containing too little carbohydrates are also present, the latent starvation ketosis can give rise to an acute gestation ketosis. The clinical picture is described in detail and contrasted with the gestation hypocalcemia. Furthermore, the parameters relevant to laboratory diagnosis will be discussed.