Archive Case #48: Ovine Haemonchosis

Clinical Clues

1. A mob of lambs is investigated for poor growth and increasing weakness during a warm grazing season.
2. One affected lamb has obvious submandibular oedema.
3. Mucous membranes are very pale despite minimal diarrhoea.
4. Body condition is poor and the flock has a heavy gastrointestinal parasite burden.
5. Faecal testing supports infection with Haemonchus contortus.
6. A blood-feeding abomasal nematode of sheep commonly causes anaemia, bottle jaw, and production loss.

Diagnosis

Ovine Haemonchosis

This case is most consistent with Ovine Haemonchosis because the lambs are anaemic with bottle jaw and parasitology supportive of Haemonchus contortus. The most important clues are the pallor, submandibular oedema, and lack of profuse diarrhoea, which help distinguish it from other causes of ill thrift.

Educational Use

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