The recumbent ewe

The recumbent ewe around lambing time is a common presentation. There are a number of nutritionally-related conditions often seen in sheep at this critical time during the production cycle which may cause recumbency including hypocalcaemia, pregnancy toxaemia, listeriosis and hypomagnesaemia. Differentiation of these various conditions can be achieved on the basis of detailed clinical examination and history, backed up appropriate laboratory biochemical analyses using parameters such as β-OH butyrate and calcium. However there will often have been prior treatment by the farmer which may complicate a clinical diagnosis, and there is often overlap between the various conditions in terms of clinical presentation and disease incidence. The focus is therefore on achieving a correct diagnosis, giving the farmer a simple treatment plan for recumbent ewes, and implementing preventative measures.