Treatment of Hypothermic Lambs and Goats
For hypothermic lambs and goats, use forced warm air at 40°C rather than water bath immersion, as this method has been specifically validated in commercial practice with 69% survival rates and allows for simultaneous monitoring and management of the animal. 1, 2
Initial Assessment and Stabilization
- Remove wet bedding immediately and move the animal to a warm, dry environment to prevent further evaporative heat loss 3
- Measure rectal temperature using an electronic thermometer to classify severity and guide treatment intensity 1
- Assess age and blood glucose status: lambs older than 5-6 hours are likely hypoglycemic and require glucose supplementation before rewarming 1, 2
Treatment Algorithm Based on Severity
Mild Hypothermia (37.0-39.0°C rectal temperature)
- Passive rewarming with dry blankets and increased environmental temperature is adequate 4
- Success rates reach 83% when hypothermia is detected and treated in this temperature range 1
- Monitor for deterioration every 15-30 minutes 4
Moderate to Severe Hypothermia (<37.0°C rectal temperature)
- Administer intraperitoneal glucose (10 ml/kg of 20% glucose solution) to lambs/kids aged 6 hours or older to reverse hypoglycaemia before rewarming 1, 2
- Rewarm using forced warm air at 40°C rather than water immersion 1, 2
- Active external rewarming with forced air is more practical than water bath because it allows continuous access to the animal for monitoring and prevents aspiration risk 4
- Target rewarming to a minimum core temperature of 36°C, then cease active warming at 37°C to avoid rebound hyperthermia 4
Why Forced Warm Air Over Water Bath
Forced warm air at 40°C is the evidence-based method for lamb/goat hypothermia, validated in commercial practice across 30 farms with superior outcomes 1, 2. While human hypothermia guidelines mention both methods 3, the veterinary-specific research demonstrates:
- Practical advantages: Allows simultaneous monitoring, glucose administration, and nutritional support without removing the animal from the warming environment 2
- Safety profile: Eliminates drowning/aspiration risk present with water immersion 2
- Proven efficacy: 69% overall survival rate in field conditions, with 76% survival in lambs <5 hours old 1
Water bath immersion at 37-40°C, while effective for human frostbite and severe hypothermia 3, 5, is impractical for neonatal livestock due to aspiration risk and inability to provide concurrent supportive care 2.
Critical Post-Rewarming Management
- Provide immediate colostrum or milk replacer once the lamb/kid is alert and able to swallow, as starvation-induced hypothermia (72% of cases) requires urgent nutritional support 6, 2
- Foster onto a ewe/doe or provide supplemental feeding every 2-4 hours, as most hypothermic animals are twins or triplets with inadequate maternal nutrition 1, 6
- Monitor for rebound complications including hypoglycemia recurrence, as energy reserves remain depleted for 24-48 hours post-warming 6, 2
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not rewarm without glucose supplementation in animals >6 hours old, as hypoglycemia will prevent successful recovery despite normothermia 2
- Do not use water temperatures above 40°C, as this can cause thermal injury to fragile neonatal skin 5
- Do not rely on passive rewarming alone when rectal temperature is <37°C, as active measures are required at this severity 4, 1
- Do not delay treatment waiting for veterinary arrival—early detection and treatment in the 37-39°C range dramatically improves survival from 65% to 83% 1