ENTEROTOXAEMIA

Causative Agent(s)

Clostridium perfringens type D

Clinical Presentation and Epidemiology

Sudden deaths in the best-conditioned lambs are the first indication of enterotoxaemia. In some cases, excitement, incoordination, and seizures occur before death. Opisthotonos, circling, and pushing the head against fixed objects are common neurologic clinical signs; frequently, hyperglycaemia or glycosuria may be present. Diarrhoea may develop. Occasionally, adult sheep are affected, too, with weakness, incoordination, seizures, and death within 24 hours. In goats, the course of disease ranges from per acute to chronic, with clinical signs that vary from watery diarrhoea with or without blood to sudden death. Affected calves not found dead show mania, seizures, blindness, and death within a few hours. Sub acutely affected calves are stuporous for a few days and may recover. It has a worldwide distribution and affects animals of any age. It is most common in lambs either <2 weeks old or weaned in feedlots and on a high-carbohydrate diet or, less often, on lush, green pastures.

Diagnostic Considerations

Diagnosis can be confirmed by positive identification of enterocolitis, anaerobic culture, and identification of Clostridium perfringens type D from the faeces or intestinal contents

Management and Treatment Prevention

Clostridium perfringens C & D antitoxin (usually 5 ml SC).
Crystalline Penicillin G 17,000-25,000 IU IV on day one, followed by Penicillin G procaine 17,000-25,000 IU (10-15mg)/kg IM or SC, q12-24h x 5-7/7
Orally administration of antacids
Anti-boating medication
Pain relief medication

Supportive fluid therapy