Floppy kid disease: Diagnostic and therapeutic approach in kids suffering from FKD in Northern Cyprus

Abstract

Floppy Kid Disease (FKD) is a condition which is characterized with metabolic acidosis, generalized anorexia and muscle weakness that can be seen in young goat kids. During the course of an investigation on goat kids suffering from muscle weakness and increased deaths in a goat farm in Cyprus, 10 kids were evaluated. Hematological and biochemical examinations were performed for clinically depressive 5 kids. Also, blood gas analysis were performed for clinically depressive other 5 kids on the next day. As a result of the evaluation, blood pH values of 3 kids were 7.35, 7.33 and 7.26 in blood gas analysis and in addition to that base excess values of these kids were -3.90, -4.0 and -6.8, respectively. Furthermore, BHB values of these kids, which can be generated as a mid-product of D Lactate, were high and especially the kid with a pH value of 7.26 had BHB level of 160 μmol/L. Following the treatment, only 2 kids died during 1 month of follow-up treatment. This study emphasizes the importance of metabolic acidosis and related parameters in diagnosis of FKD. In general, separation of kids from nannies and giving them oral bicarbonate were thought to be effective for Floppy Kid Disease.