The effect of triamcinolone on glucose metabolism in ketotic sheep

Abstract

SUMMARYThe withdrawal of food from Clun Forest ewes pregnant with twins produced signs of pregnancy toxaemia accompanied by a significant decrease in the concentration of glucose, a significant increase in the concentration of ketones, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and 3-hydroxybutyrate in plasma and a significant decrease in total entry rate and irreversible loss of glucose. A single intramuscular injection of 0·05 or 0·2 mg/kg of triamcinolone acetonide had no significant effect on the concentration of glucose, ketones or 3-hydroxybutyrate in plasma or on the total entry, irreversible loss or recycling of glucose in ketotic or in normal pregnant sheep. The low dose had a significant effect on the concentration of NEFA in plasma. Recovery from the clinical signs was slow after either dose of steroid but appeared to be hastened by the onset of parturition which was more rapid after the higher dose.