Ketosis is a metabolic disorder that occurs at a latter stage of pregnancy (about two weeks before parturition, also called pregnancy toxaemia) or right after parturition in dairy goats. When does are carrying twins and triplets, fetus requirements for glucose are higher than the animal can consume. Blood sugar levels drop (hypoglycemia), fat is mobilized to provide energy for the body and ketone bodies are produced. The animals become ketotic and exhibit signs of ketosis such as laying down, off feed, and sweet breath. I recommend providing the animals with warm molasses and water. You may also use Karo syrup. The best treatment is to feed propylene glycol or use injectable glucose products. Feed 60 cc of propylene glycol 2 x daily for two days and 30 cc daily thereafter until she is cleared.

Back to Metabolic Disorders