Reflections on the causes and the diagnosis of peri-parturient losses of ewes

Peri-parturient loss of a ewe is of particular financial significance to a farmer. Therefore, veterinary advise before lambing is crucial, in order to avoid such losses altogether. This paper can be used as a brief guide for peri-parturient losses in ewes. The most common causes of losses can be classified as follows; pre-partum: metabolic disorders (mainly pregnancy toxaemia or hypocalcaemia), septicaemia–toxaemia consequent to abortion, clostridial infections; during lambing: obstetrical problems (ringwomb, uterine or vaginal rupture) leading to genital traumas and haemorrhages; immediately post-partum: septicaemia–toxaemia consequent to acute metritis or mastitis, metabolic disorders (mainly hypocalcaemia), clostridial infections. A brief account of some of these conditions is presented. Finally, a guide to diagnosis of the cause of a loss is included.