Detection of subclinical pregnancy toxemia and evaluation of glycaemic status in Malabari does

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to screen Malabari does for subclinical pregnancy toxemia and to evaluate their glycaemic status. Materials and Methods: This study consist of 4 groups; Group I early pregnant does (n = 7), Group II late pregnant does with one fetus (n = 6), Group III late pregnant does with two fetuses (n = 8), and Group IV nonpregnant does (n = 8). The pregnancy was confirmed by 3.5 Megahertz B-mode ultrasonography. The concentration of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and glucose was analyzed in the blood samples. Results and Discussion: Significant increase in serum BHB concentration was found in Groups I and II when compared to control group. Group III showed highly significant increase when compared to control group. Among the four groups selected, late pregnant animals with two fetuses had a BHB level of 0.81 ± 0.10 mmol/l, which shows that those animals were in subclinical pregnancy toxemic stage. A highly significant decrease in plasma glucose concentration was found in Group I, Group II, and Group III; compared to controls. Hypoglycemia was seen in all the three groups studied. Conclusion: Hyperketonemia not only represents a disease sign but rather acts in a multifunctional way in promoting development of pregnancy toxemia.