Enterotoxemia: An Overview

A widespread disease in sheep and goats, especially in young animals under a year old, is enterotoxemia, commonly referred to as "overeating disease" or pulpy kidney disease. The disease exists in per acute, acute, and chronic forms. Clostridium perfringens is the bacterium that causes the disease, and forms C and D are the most prevalent ones. While Type D is prevalent in older animals, Type C is reportedly more frequently observed in lambs or newborn children under 3 weeks of age ("milk colic"). Enterotoxemia is commonly seen in rapidly growing feedlot lambs on high concentrate rations, but it is also less common in fast growing and well-conditioned animals grazing on lush pastures.