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

Abstract

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.