Ovine and Caprine Enterotoxemia Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Enterotoxemia (commonly called "overeating disease" or "pulpy kidney disease") is one of the most economically significant infectious diseases affecting sheep and goats worldwide. This condition is caused by Clostridium perfringens, primarily types C and D, which produce potent exotoxins when they proliferate rapidly in the gastrointestinal tract following predisposing conditions.

The disease is characterized by sudden onset, high mortality, and often death before clinical signs are observed. Understanding the pathophysiology, species-specific differences between sheep and goats, and prevention strategies is critical for NAVLE success, as this topic appears frequently on the examination.

Etiology

Clostridium perfringens is a gram-positive, anaerobic, spore-forming bacterium that is a normal inhabitant of the gastrointestinal tract in healthy sheep and goats. The organism is also ubiquitous in soil. Disease occurs when intestinal conditions favor rapid bacterial proliferation and toxin production.