Acute nephropathy in young lambs

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Pathology
• Sheep Medicine
• Renal Physiology

Background:

• Acute renal failure (ARF) is a significant cause of mortality in young lambs.
• Previous studies have indicated various potential causes, but a comprehensive overview of pathological findings and biochemical changes is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To diagnose and characterize acute renal failure in lambs.
• To investigate the pathological and biochemical profiles associated with ARF in affected lambs.
• To identify risk factors and potential causes of ARF in different geographical regions.

Main Methods:

• Clinical examination, necropsy, and histological evaluation of affected lambs from 39 flocks.
• Biochemical analysis of plasma samples from clinically affected lambs and in-contact healthy controls.
• Correlation of pathological findings with clinical signs and biochemical alterations.

Main Results:

• ARF was diagnosed in 39 flocks, with mortality approaching 100% in clinically affected lambs.
• Nephrosis (83%) and toxic tubular necrosis were the primary histological findings.
• Affected lambs exhibited azotaemia, haemoconcentration, proteinuria, and significant alterations in plasma urea, creatinine, protein, phosphorus, and calcium levels.

Conclusions:

• Acute renal failure in lambs is characterized by high mortality and specific pathological lesions, primarily nephrosis.
• Distinctive plasma biochemical changes, including elevated urea and creatinine and altered calcium-phosphorus balance, are indicative of ARF in lambs.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the specific etiological agents and environmental factors contributing to ARF in different sheep farming systems.