http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/212300.htm
"Treatment:
Examination and treatment may be difficult because of violent behavior. Animals that are recumbent and moribund usually do not respond favorably to treatment.
If possible, affected animals should be treated by ruminal infusion of 5% acetic acid(canning vinegar) (0.5-2 L in sheep and goats and 2-8 L in cattle). Ruminal-reticular fluid specimens for analysis should be taken before acetic acid therapy. Concomitant infusion of iced (0-4�C) water (up to 40 L in adult cattle, proportionally less in sheep and goats) is also recommended. Acetic acid lowers rumen pH and prevents further absorption of NH3; administration may have to be repeated if affected animals again show clinical signs. Acetic acid also inactivates existing NH3 in the GI tract and rapidly forms ammonium acetate, which can be utilized by rumen microflora but does not release NH3. Cold water lowers the rumen temperature and dilutes the reacting media, which slows urease activity. In valuable animals, removed rumen contents should be replaced with a hay slurry, and a transfer of some rumen contents from a healthy animal may serve as an inoculum to restore normal function. Ruminal tympany should be corrected if indicated, and a trocar may be installed to prevent recurrence.
Pulmonary edema is difficult to treat, although lowering blood pressure, as with -adrenergic blocking agents such as ergotamine, may help.
Supportive therapy is also indicated; isotonic saline solutions IV correct dehydration, and calcium gluconate and magnesium solutions IV relieve tetanic seizures."
If this is what you think they may have, by all means call a vet. It is deadly, with severe pain beforehand. I've never heard of this accumulation of urine in the ground, but it sounds like it would be urea/ammonia toxicosis. You can find more information with google:
http://www.google.com/search?q=sheep+urea+toxicosis
Julian
At 05:33 PM 3/7/2005, you wrote:
Good morning Barb,
I'm not talking about cocci, it is toxcidia. In what I'm able to figure out, it is when the ground becomes toxic due to urination from an access # of sheep on the ground, or because the ground is unable to absorb the urine. From that point in goes into the grass. Then the problems begin. NOW, what I've not been able to find out is how to treat the animals, what the long term side-effects are, does it effect pregnancy?
If you find out anything, let me know.....
thanks, Stephanie
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