Pregnancy Disorders

Several metabolic disorders, anomalies, and accidents occur during pregnancy in small ruminants. Pregnancy toxemia is the most common metabolic disorder. Its epidemiology, predisposing factors, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention are presented in detail. Other metabolic disorders discussed are hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia. The predisposing factors and clinical handling of vaginal prolapse, a common problem in sheep, are provided. Other disorders of pregnancy, such as fetal mummification or maceration, and fetal membrane hydrops, may occur sporadically. The pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of all these disorders are discussed and illustrated.