Redgut in sheep: a disease with a twist

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Sheep Husbandry
• Gastrointestinal Physiology

Background:

• Redgut is a sudden-death condition in sheep.
• Post-mortem examination reveals reddened, displaced intestines.
• Predisposition involves a small rumenoreticulum and enlarged large intestine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the pathophysiology of Redgut syndrome in sheep.
• To identify predisposing factors and preventive strategies for Redgut.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical cases and post-mortem findings.
• Analysis of dietary impacts on sheep gastrointestinal anatomy and function.
• Correlation of feeding regimes with intestinal positioning and torsion events.

Main Results:

• Sheep fed highly digestible forages develop small forestomachs and enlarged large intestines.
• This leads to an unstable intestinal mass position within the peritoneal cavity.
• Sudden changes in intestinal position trigger torsion, obstructing mesenteric blood vessels and causing shock.

Conclusions:

• Redgut can be prevented by managing feeding regimes to avoid predisposing anatomical changes.
• Intermittent grazing of specific pastures is a recommended preventive measure.
• Dietary management is key to maintaining stable gut positioning and preventing Redgut.