**Causes of the Disease**
The exact cause of this disease is not yet fully understood. However, it is commonly associated with factors such as premature birth, cesarean delivery, and conditions like hypoxia (low oxygen levels) and acidosis (excess acid in the blood). These factors may impair the lamb’s ability to breathe properly and can lead to severe respiratory distress shortly after birth.
**Clinical Symptoms**
Affected lambs typically show signs of breathing difficulty and cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin due to lack of oxygen). The condition tends to worsen over time, with symptoms including expiratory grunting, flaring of the nostrils, and weakened breath sounds. During inhalation, small heart murmurs may be detected, and as the disease progresses, the heart sounds may become weaker. In severe cases, respiratory failure occurs rapidly, and many affected lambs may die within 2 to 3 days if not treated promptly.
**Diagnostic Methods**
If a premature or weak lamb exhibits breathing difficulties within 6 to 12 hours after birth, along with mucous membrane discoloration and worsening symptoms, the condition should be considered. Laboratory tests are essential for confirmation. These may include checking blood pH, carbon dioxide binding capacity, and arterial blood gas levels. A decrease in blood pH and carbon dioxide binding capacity, along with an increase in arterial carbon dioxide tension, indicates acidosis. Additionally, low sodium and high potassium levels in the blood can support the diagnosis.
**First-Aid Treatment**
Immediate care is crucial. Place the affected lamb in a quiet, warm environment and ensure the airway is clear by removing any mucus from the mouth and nose. Oxygen therapy should be administered carefully, with a concentration not exceeding 40%. If the lamb shows signs of oxygen loss, intermittent oxygen administration for 5 to 10 minutes at a time may help.
To correct acidosis, 5% sodium bicarbonate can be given intravenously at a dose of 5 ml per kilogram of body weight. This can be mixed with 10% glucose solution and administered slowly. This treatment helps restore normal pH balance and improves lung perfusion, which enhances oxygen transport.
For heart failure, a small dose of venomous hairs (likely a mistranslation, possibly referring to digoxin or another cardiac medication) can be used, diluted in 30 ml of 10% glucose and injected slowly into the vein.
To manage cerebral edema, 20% mannitol can be administered intravenously at a rate of 5 ml per kg of body weight, once or twice daily.
In cases of hyperkalemia (high potassium), insulin can be combined with a 15% glucose solution. For every international unit of insulin, 1 to 4 grams of glucose can be given intravenously to help lower potassium levels.
To improve cellular respiration, a combination of cytochrome C (15 mg), adenosine triphosphate (20 mg), coenzyme A (50 units), and vitamin B6 (50 mg) can be added to 25% glucose solution and administered intravenously once daily.
To prevent secondary infections, especially pneumonia, antibiotics such as penicillin (200,000 IU, given intramuscularly twice daily) or kanamycin (15 mg/kg, divided into 2-3 injections) can be used. Early intervention is key to improving survival rates and reducing complications.
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