Hypocalcaemia
Also known as: Milk fever, lambing sickness
Hypocalcaemia, also called milk fever or lambing sickness, is an acute metabolic disorder caused by low blood calcium around late pregnancy and early lactation. Sudden calcium demand for fetal growth and milk, combined with inadequate dietary calcium or mobilisation, leads to muscle weakness and circulatory collapse. Affected ewes and does become weak, wobbly, and recumbent, often with bloat and constipation, and can die quickly. It frequently occurs alongside pregnancy toxaemia in small ruminants.
Quick facts
- Type:
- Metabolic
- Typical onset:
- Acute
- Body systems:
- Metabolic, Musculoskeletal, Nervous
- Affected species:
- ALPACA, GOAT, LLAMA, SHEEP
- Reference codes:
- ICD11 KB61.2
Sources & references
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Describes periparturient hypocalcaemia in small ruminants, its weakness and recumbency, and calcium therapy.
- Wikipedia — General overview of periparturient hypocalcaemia (milk fever) in ruminants.
- ICD-11
This content is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you are worried about your pet, contact your veterinarian.