ABSTRACT
The objectives of this experiment were to determine clinical and clinicopathological changes in hypothyroid pregnant ewes [3-4 months]. Experiment was carried out using 12 Iranian crossbred ewes aged between 3-3.5 years old, with body weight 45-65 kg. The animals were divided into two groups, group A: 4 ewes as control and group B: 8 ewes for the experiment. Hypothyroidism was induced by giving thiourea 50 mg/kg body weight daily to each animal of group B. The respiratory, heart rates and temperature were measured. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein, once weekly. At the end of experiment the animals became lethargic, weak and anemic. Finally, 4 ewes died, 2 ewes aborted and 2 ewes delivered stillbirth. There was a significant difference [P<0.05] between respiratory rate of group A and group B at the third and fourth weeks. The hematological analysis showed significant reduction in erythrocyte and leukocyte counts at the end of the experiment. The treated ewes showed significant hypoalbuminemia [P<0.05], hyperlipidemia [P<0.05] and hypercholesterolemia [P<0.01]. A significant decline [P<0.01] was detected in HDL as well as a significant increase [P<0.01] was observed in LDL serum levels of treated ewes. There was a highly significant decrease [P<0.01] in the values of T3 and T4. In conclusion, hypothyroidism in pregnant ewes leads to clinical and clinicopathological changes as well as abortion and stillbirth