Diseases of the digestive system of sheep and goats in the semiarid region of Brazil

Diseases of the digestive system of goats and sheep in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil were evaluated by a retrospective study of 2,144 attendances of small ruminants in the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Campina Grande, Patos, Paraíba, from January 2000 to December 2011. The records were reviewed to determine the occurrence, epidemiology, and the main clinicopathological features of the gastrointestinal diseases diagnosed during the studied period. Out of a total of 512 cases (23.9%) of gastrointestinal disorders in small ruminants, 367 (71.7%) occurred in goats and 145 (28.1%) in sheep. Gastrointestinal helminthiasis and coccidiosis were the most frequent diseases (330 cases). The disorders of the rumen and reticulum (acidosis, simple indigestion, bloat, and ruminal compaction) constituted 94 cases. The abomasum was affected by primary and secondary ulcers, and obstruction and compression of the gastrointestinal tract were also observed. Malformations, such as anal atresia and cleft palate were recorded in both species, the latter being associated with ingestion of Mimosa tenuiflora. Among the infectious diseases, five outbreaks of contagious ecthyma, two cases of paratuberculosis, and two cases of gastrointestinal pythiosis were observed. Suspected seven cases of enterotoxemia and nonspecific enteritis were identified. The lack of an integrated control of parasites and the use of inadequate food during the period of lack of forage contributes to the occurrence of a great number of gastrointestinal diseases in small ruminants in the studied area. The practice of conservation of fodder could substantially reduce the occurrence of digestive disorders in the semiarid region.

Disease of goats and sheep; digestive system; semiarid Brazil