Management of Pregnancy Toxaemia Concurrent with Hypocalcemia in a - 4 Year - Old Kano Brown and Sahel Breed Cross Doe

Authors
Category Primary study
JournalDirect Research Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science
Year 2026
Pregnancy toxemia (twin lamb disease) and concurrent hypocalcemia are critical metabolic disorders of late-gestation small ruminants resulting from negative energy balance and rapid fetal growth. Detailed hematological and biochemical profiles of these conditions in indigenous crossbred goats under semi-intensive management in northern Nigeria remain sparse in literature. A four- year- old Kano brown and Sahel cross pregnant Doe weighing 44 Kg was presented to the large animal Clinic of Bayero University Veterinary Teaching Hospital with the complaint of off-feed and weakness. On clinical examination, the Doe was recumbent and in third Trimester of Pregnancy. There was presence of hyperthermia (39.40C), tachypnea (38 cycles/min), and tachycardia (93 beats/min). The hematology demonstrated mild anemia (PCV 25.80 %; Hb 8.0 g/dL; RBC 9.70 x 1012 / L) accompanied by leukocytosis (13.0 x 109 / L) with neutrophilia (40.0%), consistent with a stress-related response. Serum biochemistry confirmed subclinical hyperketonemia with elevated beta-hydroxybutyrate (0.9 mmol/L), hypoglycemia (1.80 mmol/L); and moderate hypocalcemia (1.8 mmol/L). Therapeutic interventions given were: inj. Penicillin streptomycin 2ml x 2/7 IM, Inj Multivitamin 4ml x 2/7 IM, inj. Slow Calcium gluconate 20 ml x 3/7 IV. The Doe kidded a day after the medications and was presented for follow up. Inj. 50% Glucose (20ml IV and 30ml SC); and Inj. Diclofenac sodium 2ml x 2/7 IM. The vital parameters progressively normalized from Days 4 to 6, with complete clinical recovery by Day 7. This report highlights the clinical synergistic effect between subclinical pregnancy toxemia and acute hypocalcemia in late-gestation indigenous goats. Early diagnostic recognition, prompt calcium replacement, glucose supplementation, and the alleviation of fetal metabolic burden via kidding are pivotal to favorable prognosis before irreversible neurological injury occurs.
Epistemonikos ID: 1b4b5988cd0a131e049325fae49c7bcf30da6bdf
First added on: Oct 25, 2026