Resuscitation of hypothermic lambs

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Neonatal Care
• Animal Physiology

Background:

• Hypothermia is a significant cause of mortality in newborn lambs.
• Hypoglycaemia often accompanies hypothermia in neonatal lambs, complicating resuscitation efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a comprehensive resuscitation technique for hypothermic newborn lambs.
• To reduce neonatal lamb losses attributed to hypothermia and associated metabolic disturbances.

Main Methods:

• Administered intraperitoneal glucose solution (10 ml/kg of 20% solution) to lambs aged six hours or older to correct hypoglycaemia.
• Rewarmed lambs in a controlled environment at 40°C.
• Provided meticulous attention to nutrition and husbandry post-rewarming.

Main Results:

• The described technique effectively addressed hypothermia and hypoglycaemia in newborn lambs.
• Successful resuscitation was achieved through the combined application of glucose administration, controlled rewarming, and supportive care.

Conclusions:

• The developed resuscitation technique offers a viable strategy to mitigate newborn lamb mortality from hypothermia.
• Implementation of this technique during lambing season can lead to considerable reductions in lamb losses.