Metabolic disorders- hypomagnesemia

Peracute form:

·        Sudden death

·        No prior symptoms

·        Often found dead near pasture

Acute form:

Early signs:

·        Nervousness

·        Hyperexcitability

·        Ear twitching

·        Muscle tremors

·        Stiff gait

Progressive signs:

·        Ataxia

·        Aggression

·        Bellowing

·        Teeth grinding

·        Hypersensitivity to sound and touch

·        Convulsions

·        Paddling movements

·        Opisthotonos (star gazing)

·        Frothing at mouth

·        Nystagmus

Terminal stage:

·        Recumbency

·        Coma

·        Death from respiratory failure

Clinical Examination Findings

Typical findings:

·        Increased heart rate

·        Increased respiratory rate

·        Normal or elevated temperature

·        Muscle rigidity

·        Hyperesthesia

·        Convulsions triggered by stimulation