Ruminal lactic acidosis in sheep and goats

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Ruminant Physiology
• Animal Nutrition

Background:

• Acute ruminal lactic acidosis is a serious metabolic disorder in ruminants.
• Clinical signs include anorexia, apathy, ruminal stasis, and altered fecal consistency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the clinical findings, biochemical changes, and treatment outcomes in sheep and goats with acute ruminal lactic acidosis.
• To evaluate the efficacy of various treatment modalities.

Main Methods:

• Clinical examination of 37 affected sheep and goats.
• Analysis of ruminal fluid for pH, odor, consistency, bacterial populations, lactic acid, and volatile fatty acids.
• Biochemical analysis of blood for hemoconcentration and metabolic acidosis.
• Treatment protocols including ruminal fluid transfer, antacids, yeast, chlortetracycline, and intravenous fluid therapy.

Main Results:

• Affected animals exhibited anorexia, apathy, teeth grinding, ruminal stasis, and soupy feces.
• Ruminal fluid was milky with a sour odor, low pH, high lactic acid, and low volatile fatty acid concentrations.
• Hemoconcentration and metabolic acidosis were common findings.
• Treatment resulted in a 78.4% complete recovery rate among 30 discharged animals.

Conclusions:

• Acute ruminal lactic acidosis presents with distinct clinical and biochemical abnormalities in sheep and goats.
• Treatment combining ruminal fluid transfer with supportive care is effective, leading to a high recovery rate.
• Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for successful management of this condition.