A clinician's guide to what kills adult sheep and goats, as diagnosed by necropsy

Abstract

Techniques for efficient field necropsy of adult sheep and goat are described. Common conditions that kill adults, as well as older lambs and kids, are then presented, with emphasis on diagnosis by gross examination of the body. Additional laboratory tests that may be warranted and management considerations for the remainder of the herd are included to guide the practitioner in addressing the problems that have been identified. Conditions leading to the death of adult sheep include the following: anemia from haemonchosis, copper toxicosis, malnutrition, heavy strongyle burden, dental disease, paratuberculosis, liver flukes, caseous lymphadenitis, bacterial pneumonia, retroviral pneumonia, endocarditis, grain overload, enterotoxemia, intestinal accidents, toxic mastitis, dystocia with uterine rupture or retained fetuses, pregnancy toxemia, hypocalcemia, urolithiasis, polioencephalomalcia, listeriosis, and other neurologic diseases.