More Ketones, More Problems: Pregnancy Toxemia in Small Ruminants
Oct 16, 2026
Equine & Farm Theater
Farm
,
Large Animal
Pregnancy toxemia is the consequence of a negative energy balance between energy intake from feed and energy demands of late gestation in sheep and goats. The disease can present either as a primary disease, or in association with comorbidities. Pregnancy toxemia can be fatal for the dam and offspring, or result in weak offspring, compromised surviving dams, and may affect their future fertility. Early recognition of clinical signs from a thorough physical exam, the use of stall-side tests, and careful monitoring for predisposing factors, are of paramount importance for recognition and early intervention in sheep and goats. Attendees will learn how to recognize, diagnose, and treat pregnancy toxemia in sheep and goats.
- Recognize risk factors for pregnancy toxemia .
- Identify signs of pregnancy toxemia.
- Select diagnostic tests to confirm pregnancy toxemia.
- Recall common comorbidities of pregnancy toxemia.
- Describe common treatments and nursing care.
- Describe basic herd management recommendations for prevention.
