Studies on naturally occurring ruminal acidosis among deer [fallowdeer, damadama]

Rumen acidosis was diagnosed on the basis of clinical manifestations. Post-mortum examination and laboratory changes in both blood and ruminal fluids of 10 out of 15 fallow-deer [Damadama sp], following accidental consumption of large amounts of grains. Rumen acidosis was considered to be the cause of death in 2 of these deers. The pathology of the diseases, clinical signs and laboratory findings were similar to those found in domestic ruminants. Successfull therapeutic programs were applied and the disease may be considered an important cause of mortality among deers consuming large quantities of feed high in carbohyderates due to inavailability of other food in free living or captive states