Hypocalcaemia (milk fever) in ewes causes acute weakness, recumbency, and potentially fatal metabolic compromise, requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment during the periparturient period.
Hypocalcaemia causes rapid, acute welfare compromise in affected ewes. The progression from mild weakness to recumbency to unconsciousness can occur within hours. Ewes that survive without treatment may develop secondary complications including aspiration pneumonia from prolonged recumbency. Prompt recognition and calcium treatment reverses the condition dramatically in most cases, representing an excellent welfare outcome from timely intervention. Prevention through adequate calcium supplementation in high-risk groups during late pregnancy reduces incidence. Training all lambing staff to recognise the staggers and weakness of hypocalcaemia enables prompt treatment before severe welfare compromise occurs.