The causative agent for this syndrome has not been determined. Despite the lack of corresponding clinical signs on presentation, gastrointestinal disease is strongly suspected to be the cause for this syndrome since it is the most common cause of neonatal ruminant metabolic acidosis. It is highly recommended to submit early untreated cases for necropsy in order to aid in the determination of the etiological agent. Affected kids are normal at birth. Kids are often reluctant to suckle but can swallow.
Depression is a common finding.
Marked paradoxical metabolic acidosis is present with no detected, repeatable abnormalities in specific organ systems with the exception of mild renal changes in some cases. Other biochemical findings include an increase in anion gap, decrease in bicarbonate, normal to increased chloride, and occasional hypokalemia. Diagnosis is made based on supportive clinical and laboratory findings. Blood chemistry is necessary to assess the severity of the base deficit and electrolyte imbalances. Affected kids are under 2 weeks of age.