![]() Should the animal die, a necropsy can be performed to look for evidence of disease. Given the fact that a related infection known as tetanus is also very common in lambs and kids, producers might want to consider using a combination product than contains tetanus toxoid also. Routine vaccination for Clostridium perfringens types C&D in lambs and kids is very effective, but keep in mind that vaccinated animals will require a booster of the product 3 to 4 weeks after the initial vaccination. Treatment is rarely effective or available, and prevention is far more likely to be successful. The sudden onset of neurologic signs followed by sudden death is said to be more common in lambs while kid goats are more likely to show signs of diarrhea before death. ![]() Death usually occurs within hours of the onset of signs. They are simply growing and gaining weight in ideal conditions, and the Clostridium perfringens organism also begins to grow rapidly, releasing its toxins.Ĭlinical signs of infection are characterized by sudden onset of depression, abdominal pain, diarrhea, neurologic signs, or sudden death. Animals affected by this condition do not “overeat” as is the case with grain overload. Enterotoxemia is usually seen in rapidly growing feedlot lambs on high concentrate rations, but it is also quite common in fast growing and well-conditioned animals grazing on lush pastures. Type C is said to be seen most commonly in lambs or kids younger than 3 weeks of age (“milk colic”) while Type D is found in older animals. The causative bacterial organism is Clostridium perfringens with types C and D being the most common forms. The disease occurs in peracute, acute, and chronic forms. Guy Sheppard DVM and Randi Gold VMD, PhD, DACVPĮnterotoxemia, commonly called “overeating disease”, is a common problem in sheep and goats, especially in animals under a year of age.
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