Biochemical profile and clinical manifestations of pregnancy toxemia in sheep: a literature review

Pregnancy toxemia is a critical metabolic disorder in small ruminants, primarily caused by inadequate nutritional management that fails to meet the increasing energy and nutrient demands of advanced gestation. Animals that are obese, aged, carrying multiple fetuses, or subjected to environmental stressors such as prolonged drought are at greater risk, mainly due to severe hypoglycemia and elevated plasma concentrations of ketone bodies. The pathophysiology of the condition is closely linked to alterations in glucose homeostasis, excessive mobilization of fat reserves, and hormonal imbalances that result in marked metabolic acidosis. Clinically, affected animals may present anorexia, neurological disturbances, amaurosis, and progressive weakness, conditions that often culminate in high mortality if not promptly addressed. Given these risks, understanding the biochemical profile of affected animals is fundamental for early detection, differential diagnosis, and prevention. Routine biochemical monitoring—especially of glucose, β-hydroxybutyrate, cortisol, insulin, and electrolytes—combined with proper mineral supplementation and balanced nutritional strategies, significantly improves survival rates and herd productivity. This highlights the importance of integrating metabolic and clinical evaluations to safeguard the reproductive efficiency and overall health of small ruminants.