There is variation in the age of the sheep affected. Type D enterotoxemia is commonly encountered in weaned, feedlot lambs. Diagnosis Enterotoxemia must be differentiated from other acute, fatal diseases of sheep, such as blackleg, bloat, or acute poisonings. Clinical signs of grain overload, or acidosis, are similar to those of enterotoxemia. Grain overload losses occur from overconsumption of concentrate rations whereas enterotoxemia losses, even though often precipitated by eating high concentrate rations, occur from Clostridium perfringens toxin production.
Tentative diagnosis is determined first by assessing clinical signs.
Post mortem examinations are needed to confirm the diagnosis. Type C enterotoxemia primarily shows a discolored, hemorrhagic small intestine. Type D enterotoxemia may or may not show small hemorrhagic spots in the intestines. Fluid around the heart is a frequent finding. The lungs are often congested and fluid filled.