A case of hypertrophic osteoarthropathy in a Belgian blue cow

A 12-year-old cow was presented with chronic respiratory disease and lameness. Chronic pleuritis, pneumonia, and bronchial carcinoma were found as well as periosteal proliferation on limb bones. Ancillary tests and necropsy confirmed a combined pathology of pulmonary inflammation and neoplasm, and hypertrophic pulmonary osteopathy.     

Severe pleuritis associated with certain strains of Pasteurella multocida in swine

Pasteurella multocida was isolated from 2 farms on which grower or finisher pigs had problems of severe emaciation and high death loss (greater than 5%). At necropsy, the pigs had extensive suppurative pleuritis and pericarditis, with adhesions over the lung surface. On one farm, the pigs also had multiple lung abscesses. Histologic findings included polymorphonuclear cell infiltration in bronchial and alveolar spaces, thickening of alveolar walls, pleuritis, and in some cases, abscesses. From all pigs, P multocida was isolated. The strains (A52, A59) were serotype A and were nontoxigenic. Experimental reproduction of the disease was achieved by sequentially infecting conventionally weaned pigs intranasally with pseudorabies virus; 7 days later, infection with selected P multocida laboratory strains (A50 and D82, A52 and A59) was achieved. At necropsy, pigs inoculated with strains A59 and A52 (serotype A, pleurotropic) had more severe lesions (P less than 0.05) than those inoculated with strain A50 (serotype A, pneumotropic). Also, pigs infected with strains A59 and A52 had extensive pleuritis and abscessation, which were not observed in the other groups. Strain D82 (serotype D) was not capable of producing pneumonia or pleuritis. Pleuritis and abscessation may be associated with certain P multocida strains that are serotype A, but not with others. These pleurotropic strains seem to be more virulent than pneumotropic strains, and infection with the former may result in extensive pleuritis and abscess formation.     

Severe bilateral fibrosing pleuritis associated with chronic chylothorax in five cats and two dogs.

Severe bilateral fibrosing pleuritis was diagnosed in 5 cats and 2 dogs with chronic chylothorax. All animals were dyspneic on initial examination and remained moderately to severely dyspneic after thoracentesis. Radiographic evidence of fibrosing pleuritis included rounded lung lobes and failure of the lungs to reexpand following effective pleural drainage. Fibrosing pleuritis was also suggested in several animals with radiographic evidence of pleural fluid, in which pleural fluid could not be retrieved. Macroscopically, the lung lobes of all animals were compressed and atelectatic to various degrees, and the pleura appeared to be diffusely thickened and roughened. In several animals, fibrous adhesions were found between the parietal and visceral pleura of some lobes. Lung lobes were markedly constricted and appeared as small, smooth, rounded hilar masses in 4 animals. Mild to moderate pulmonary edema was evident in 3 animals at necropsy. Six of the 7 animals died (2) or were euthanatized (4) within 72 hours after the diagnosis of fibrosing pleuritis. The fibrosing pleuritis developed in 1 animal with lymphoblastic lymphosarcoma and chylothorax after treatment via passive pleuroperitoneal drainage; this animal was euthanatized because of underlying neoplasia. One cat, in which decortication was performed and resulted in marked reexpansion of the lung lobes, died 4 hours after surgery with signs compatible with pulmonary edema. On the basis of our findings, we suggest that animals with chronic chylothorax are at risk to develop fibrosing pleuritis. Furthermore, animals with severe bilateral fibrosing pleuritis should be given extremely guarded prognoses.     

Mycobacterium marinum dermatitis and panniculitis with chronic pleuritis in a captive white whale (Delphinapterus leucas) with aortic rupture.

A 16-year-old female white whale, Delphinapterus leucas, died after nearly 18 months of chronic lymphopenia and pyogranulomatous dermatitis. Necropsy revealed rupture of the aorta with hemorrhage into the cranial mediastinum and between fascial planes of the ventral neck musculature. Multiple foci of ulcerative dermatitis and panniculitis were present across the thorax and abdomen and surrounded the genital folds. In addition, there was a chronic proliferative pleuritis with over 20 liters of histiocytic exudate in the thoracic cavity. Acid-fast bacteria consistent with Mycobacterium sp. were identified in sections of skin lesions and in cytospins of pleural exudate. Cultures of pleura and 1 skin lesion collected at necropsy yielded sparse growth of an acid-fast bacillus with colony characteristics and morphology consistent with Mycobacterium marinum. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis confirmed the presence of M. marinum DNA in samples of skin. This is the first documented occurrence of mycobacteriosis in a white whale and is a unique presentation of mycobacterial dermatitis and panniculitis with chronic pleuritis in a cetacean. The improved PCR-RFLP protocol utilized in this case unifies techniques from several protocols to differentiate between species of Nocardia and rapidly growing mycobacteria clinically relevant to aquatic animals.     

ULTRASONOGRAPHIC DIAGNOSIS: CRANIAL VENA CAVA THROMBOSIS IN A COW

A 5-year-old Hereford cow was donated to Oregon State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Two weeks before presentation the cow was treated by a left-flank laparotomy to correct a uterine torsion that revealed an excessive amount of abdominal fluid and a full term dead fetus. Ultrasonographic evaluation of the right cranioventral thoracic cavity was performed owing to physical examination (muffled heart sounds, areas of silence) and thoracocentesis findings suggestive of pleuritis. Ultrasonography revealed hypoechoic pleural effusion and a mass of mixed echogenicity visible within the right atrial lumen extending into the cranial vena cava. A diagnosis of cranial vena cava thrombosis was demonstrated at necropsy. The clinical, ultrasonographic, and pathological features of this less common condition (cranial vena cava thrombosis) in cattle are discussed.     

Bicavitary effusion in a horse with multicentric lymphoma

A 14-year-old Quarter Horse gelding presented for a 2-week history of increased respiratory rate, fever and weight loss. The referring veterinarian performed an ultrasonographic examination on the farm and considered a differential diagnosis of pleuritis and pleuropneumonia. On presentation, transtracheal wash showed suppurative septic inflammation with bacteria within macrophages. Thoracic ultrasonography showed increased hypoechoic fluid in the pleural and peritoneal cavities. Cytologic analysis of pleural and peritoneal fluids revealed lymphorrhagic effusion with atypical lymphocytes, suggestive of a lymphatic flow obstruction or lymphoma. Treatment consisted of drainage of the pleural fluid, anti-inflammatory agents, fluid therapy and antimicrobial therapy. Continued fluid accumulation in the thoracic cavity, tachypnoea, lack of response to pain medication and progressive lethargy resulted in the horse being subjected to euthanasia. At necropsy, bicavitary effusion was confirmed and histopathological diagnosis of multicentric lymphoma was made. Horses presenting with pleural effusion should also be evaluated for peritoneal effusion, as bicavitary effusion may indicate noninflammatory conditions such as neoplasia.     

Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in a dog from Africa

A 4-year-old male Boxer dog with a history of vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss moved from West Africa to Lyon, France, where it was further evaluated. Radiographs revealed pleural effusion and enlargement of tracheobronchial lymph nodes and liver. Cytologic examination of the pleural effusion and a fine needle aspirate specimen of the liver showed mixed mononuclear inflammation with nonstaining rod structures within epithelioid histiocytes. At necropsy, the main gross pathologic findings were exudative pleuritis, nodular hepatitis, and infarcts and caseous nodules in the kidneys. The main histologic lesions were granulomatous hepatitis, granulomatous pneumonia, fibrinous leukocytic pleuritis, necrotic and fibro-calcified granulomatous lymphadenitis, and granulomatous nephritis. A Ziehl-Neelsen stain applied to both cytologic and histologic samples was positive for acid-fast bacilli. Bacterial culture of the pleural fluid was positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Cytology is a valuable tool in the diagnosis of this important zoonotic disease.     

Diagnostic ultrasonography in cattle with thoracic disease

The pleura and lungs were evaluated by means of sonography in 55 bovine patients with diseases of the thoracic cavity. For these ultrasound examinations, a range of transducers was used. As the lung surface was most often involved in cases of pulmonary disease, it was possible to detect ultrasonographically bronchopneumonia, consolidation, pleural effusion, pulmonary emphysema and pleuritis. Determination of the amount of lung tissue affected provided prognostic information. It was not possible to visualise lesions located deeper within the lungs where peripheral tissue was not affected. A diagnosis of thoracic disease was made on the basis of clinical and ultrasonographic findings and confirmed in 33 cases at necropsy.     

Comparative virulence of Haemophilus parasuis serovars 1 to 7 in guinea pigs.

Reference strains for Haemophilus parasuis serovars 1 to 7 were examined for virulence by inoculation of guinea pigs. Guinea pig response to intraperitoneal inoculation was similar for the 7 reference strains. However, apparent differences in virulence were detected after intratracheal inoculation. Cells of the references strains for serovars 1 and 5 were most invasive, causing moribundity or death at higher doses and a persistent septicemia at lower doses. Haemophilus parasuis could be isolated from respiratory and systemic sites; purulent bronchopneumonia, pericarditis, and pleuritis were apparent in infected guinea pigs. Inoculation of cells of the reference strains for serovars 2 and 6 also resulted in bronchopneumonia and moribundity or death in some guinea pigs; however, reisolation of H parasuis and microscopic lesions at necropsy were less pronounced than those observed with serovars 1 and 5. Inoculation of cells of serovars 3, 4 and 7 induced only transient clinical signs and minimal evidence of H parasuis infection at necropsy. The data from intratracheal inoculation of guinea pigs are similar to data from other investigations in swine, indicating differences in the pathogenic potential of H parasuis strains. Thus, guinea pigs may be useful as a laboratory animal model for examining cellular factors associated with virulence and immunogenicity of H parasuis.     

Experimental studies on the pathogenicity of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae and Mycoplasma arginini for the respiratory tract of goats.

Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae and Mycoplasma arginini were the species of Mollicutes most commonly isolated from 175 goats with respiratory disease in Ontario. The pathogenicity of M. ovipneumoniae, strain B321B and M. arginini, strain D53e, was assessed in goats following endobronchial inoculation. One out of three two year old goats developed fever after inoculation with a pure culture of strain B321B, and it had extensive subacute fibrinous pleuritis when necropsied three weeks later. Neither of the remaining goats had lesions in the respiratory tract. Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae was recovered from one of the animals four days after inoculation, but not at necropsy from any of the goats, at which time a marked humoral immune response with growth inhibiting antibodies was detected. In a second experiment three four to five week old goats were inoculated with the same strain and three other goats were given placebo treatment. One experimental goat developed fever and coughing, and it had extensive subacute fibrinous pleuritis in the right side and pneumonia. Another goat had focal pneumonia in the left diaphragmatic lobe. Microscopically there was subacute hyperplastic suppurative bronchiolitis, atelectasis and nonsuppurative alveolitis. The infected animals did not clear the mycoplasma and not all of them produced antibodies. Mycoplasma arginini, strain D53e, did not induce lesions in any of four goat kids within 14 days after inoculation but did cause transient elevations in rectal temperature, circulating monocytes, circulating neutrophils and blood fibrinogen. Mycoplasma arginini was infective and immunogenic for all inoculated animals and showed a particular affinity for the tonsil. Thus, this study provides the first evidence that M. ovipneumoniae is pathogenic for goats causing pneumonia and pleuritis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Noninfectious factors associated with pneumonia and pleuritis in slaughtered pigs from 143 farrow-to-finish pig farms

A cross-sectional study involving 143 farrow-to-finish herds was carried out to identify herd-level noninfectious factors associated with pneumonia and pleuritis in slaughter pigs. Data related to herd characteristics, biosecurity, management and housing conditions were collected by questionnaire during a farm visit. Climatic conditions were measured over 20 h in the post-weaning and finishing rooms where the slaughter pigs were kept. After these on-farm investigations, the finishing pigs were examined at slaughter for lung lesions. A sample of 30 randomly selected pigs per herd was scored for pneumonia and pleuritis. Herds were grouped into three categories according to their pneumonia median score (class 1: ≤ 0.5; class 2: 0.53.75). For pleuritis, a herd was deemed affected if at least one pig had a high pleuritis score (≥ 3). A multinomial logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with pneumonia classes 2 and 3. A logistic regression for binary outcome was used to identify risk factors for severe pleuritis. An interval of less than four weeks between successive batches (OR=4.5, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.5-13.6, p<0.01), large finishing room size (OR=4.3, 95% CI: 1.6-11.6, p<0.01) and high mean CO(2) concentration in the finishing room (OR=4.2, 95%CI: 1.6-11.3, p<0.01), significantly increased the odds for a herd to be in class 2 for pneumonia. The same risk factors were found for class 3 and, in addition, a direct fresh air inlet from outside or from the corridor in the post-weaning room vs an appropriate ceiling above the pigs (OR=5.1, 95% CI: 1.4-18.8, p=0.01). The risk for a herd to have at least one pig with a high pleuritis score was increased when the farrowing facilities were not disinsected (OR=2.7, 95% CI: 1.2-5.8, p=0.01), when tail docking was performed later than 1.5 days after birth (OR=2.6, 95% CI: 1.2-5.7, p=0.01) and if the piglets were castrated when more than 14 days old (OR=2.7, 95%CI: 1.1-6.8, p=0.03). A temperature range of less than 5°C for the ventilation control rate in the farrowing room (OR=2.7, 95% CI: 1.2-5.9, p=0.01), a mean temperature in the finishing room below 23°C (OR=3.0, 95% CI: 1.3-6.8, p<0.01) and large herd size (OR=3.1, 95% CI: 1.4-6.9, p<0.01) were also associated with increased risk of pleuritis. The factors affecting pneumonia and pleuritis seemed to be different. All rearing steps from farrowing to finishing must be taken into account in any health programme aimed at controlling pneumonia and pleuritis and lung health may be improved through several pathways, i.e. correcting managerial and hygienic factors, implementing an appropriate and well-functioning ventilation in order to offer favorable climatic conditions.     

Fatal systemic phaeohyphomycosis caused by Ochroconis gallopavum in a dog (Canis familaris)

A 5-year-old Shetland Sheepdog was presented with a history of weakness, ataxia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and occasional seizures. The dog had been treated for 6 months with prednisone for inflammatory bowel disease. A positive titer for Ehrlichia canis was detected 6 months before referral. The initial physical examination revealed a weak, laterally recumbent dog with pale mucous membranes. Neurologic examination revealed multiple neurologic deficits. A complete blood cell count (CBC) revealed normochromic, normocytic, nonregenerative anemia; lymphopenia; thrombocytopenia; and neutrophilic and monocytic leukocytosis. Urinalysis revealed proteinuria, with a specific gravity of 1.045. The dog was unresponsive to treatment and died. At necropsy, there was severe serofibrinous peritonitis and pleuritis, with randomly scattered dark brown necrotic foci present in multiple organs, including liver, spleen, kidney, and pancreatic lymph node. Histologically, there were extensive regions of parenchymal necrosis surrounded by neutrophils admixed with epithelioid macrophages, lymphocytes, and pigmented fungal organisms. Numerous brown, 2 to 6 microm in diameter, septate, branching hyphae, subsequently identified as Ochroconis gallopavum (formerly Dactylaria constricta var. gallopava), were observed.     

The first report of Histophilus somni pneumonia in Nigerian dairy cattle

Clinical signs of severe bronchopneumonia, including anorexia, coughing, nasal discharge, dyspnoea, diarrhoea, distension of the neck, lethargy, recumbency, lameness preceding collapse, and death were observed among a herd of Holstein–Friesian dairy cattle. The outbreak occurred over a 30-day period, and attack and case-fatality rates were 0.4% and 50%, respectively. At necropsy, extensive consolidation in the cranioventral parts of the lungs was observed. Histologically, a severe acute bronchopneumonia with slight pleuritis was present. Both pathological and bacteriological evaluation of the lungs incriminated Histophilus somni (heavy growth). Supplementary laboratory investigations also isolated Clostridium and Klebsiella species (scanty growth) from the lungs. Histophilosis in cattle was confirmed for the first time in Nigeria.     

The pathology of experimental respiratory infection with Pasteurella multocida and Bordetella bronchiseptica in rabbits

Groups of female New Zealand White rabbits, 8-10 weeks old, were inoculated intranasally with three different Pasteurella multocida serotypes (A:3, A:4 and A:12) or one of three Bordetella bronchiseptica strains of rabbit origin. Seven out of 18 rabbits died of experimental infection with P. multocida. B. bronchiseptica killed 3 out of the 8 animals inoculated with it. Deaths occurred between 3 and 6 days postinoculation (PI). In the rabbits that died of P. multocida inoculation, necropsy and histology revealed severe pleuritis with the accumulation of a remarkable amount of fibrinopurulent exudate in the thoracic cavity, serous rhinitis and tracheitis, acute hepatitis with necrotic foci in the parenchyma, and atrophy of the lymphoid organs and tissues. Rabbits killed 10 days PI developed only subacute serous rhinitis and hyperplasia of the lymphoid tissues. Rabbits that died of B. bronchiseptica inoculation showed acute serous rhinitis, acute catarrhal-fibrinopurulent pneumonia and mild pleuritis. As opposed to P. multocida inoculated animals, hepatitis and atrophy of the lymphoid tissues were not characteristic of these rabbits. Rabbits killed 10 days PI developed subacute purulent and necrotic pneumonia with remarkable macrophage proliferation, involving all lobes, and hyperplasia of the lymphoid tissues.     

Pneumonia, lung abscesses and pleuritis in adult horses: a review of 51 cases

Case records are reviewed of 51 adult horses in which a diagnosis of pneumonia, pulmonary abscess or pleuritis had been made. Forty-five horses were afflicted with pneumonia and/or pulmonary abscesses; in 11 of these the infection was primary, whereas in 34 it was secondary to another disease process (inhalation of food or saliva, thoracic trauma, generalised infection, airway disease, neoplasia or thromboembolism). Of the 11 horses with primary pulmonary infections, 10 appeared to be associated with a previous episode of stress; this took the form of long distance travel in eight cases. There was a statistically significant association between primary pneumonia and/or lung abscesses and the use of the horses, with the highest incidence in showjumpers. Eighteen horses had pleuritis, of which 12 were secondary to pneumonia or pulmonary abscesses, two to thoracic trauma and one to generalised avian tuberculosis. Three cases of primary pleuritis were identified.     

Epidemiological features of calf mortality due to hemophilosis in a large feedlot

Hemophilosis was the most significant cause of mortality in fall-placed calves in a large feedlot in Saskatchewan, despite routine single immunization of calves with a commercial Haemophilus somnus bacterin on arrival. Common manifestations of fatal H. somnus infection were myocarditis and pleuritis; occasionally, thrombotic meningoencephalomyelitis (TME), peracute septicemia, and pneumonia were observed. Circumstantial evidence suggested that H. somnus may be a pathogen in polyarthritis. Death from pneumonia mainly occurred during the first five weeks in the feedlot. Death from myocarditis, pleuritis, TME, and septicemia, and euthanasia because of polyarthritis, occurred mainly after the third week in the feedlot.

The median fatal disease onset (FDO) for pneumonia was day 12; for septicemia, day 17; for polyarthritis, day 18; for myocarditis and pleuritis, day 22; and for TME, day 29. Calves that died from myocarditis frequently were found dead in their “home” pen; however, 88% of these animals had been treated previously. Fifty-seven percent of the calves that died from pleuritis were never treated, and those that died from TME or septicemia were either never treated or died shortly after initial treatment.

     

Pleuritis in slaughter pigs: Relations between lung lesions and bacteriology in 10 herds with high pleuritis

Pleuritis in slaughter pigs has increased in recent years in the Netherlands. The aim of the present study was to determine what respiratory pathogens were involved in pleuritis.In total, lungs of 968 slaughter pigs from 10 herds with high prevalence of pleuritis were morphologically examined for size, location, and type of lesions. Moreover, histology and bacteriology were performed.Examination of gross lung lesions showed 45% pleuritis, 14% pleuropneumonia and 38% catarrhal pneumonia. Peribronchiolar cuffing was found in 61 of 142 samples. Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae was cultured from 22 lung samples from four herds. Pasteurella multocida was cultured from 55 lung samples in eight herds. No specific pattern with respect to the causal pathogens was found.In conclusion, no single infectious cause of pleuritis was found. A variety of infectious agents combined with environmental factors should be considered as a cause of pleuritis.     

Survey of pleuritis and pulmonary lesions in pigs at abattoir with a focus on the extent of the condition and herd risk factors

Cranioventral pulmonary consolidation (enzootic pneumonia-like lesions) and chronic pleuritis (CP) are common findings in slaughtered pigs. Pleural lesions involving dorsocaudal lobes are suggestive of pleuropneumonia due to Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae. In this report the results of an abattoir survey of pleuritis and pulmonary lesions in pigs is presented with a focus on herd risk factors. A total of 4889 animals, ranging in age from 9 to 10 months, from 48 batches of pigs belonging to an equal number of herds, were included in the study. Bronchopneumonic lesions suggestive of enzootic pneumonia (EP-like lesions) were detected in 46.4% of the examined lungs. The EP-like lesion average value for all lungs was 1.03 (95% CI 0.98-1.08), ranging from 0.17 to 2.56 among the 48 batches; 47.5% of lungs showed chronic pleuritis. Dorsocaudal pleuritis suggestive of recovered pleuropneumonia (SPES score ≥2) was found in 25.1% of the lungs. The mean SPES (slaughterhouse pleuritis evaluation system) value of the overall 4889 lungs was 0.83 (95% CI 0.78-0.86). The mean SPES value of the batches ranged from 0.04 to 1.87. The mean Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae index of all studied batches was 0.61 (95% CI 0.51-0.71), ranging from 0 to 1.84. Blood samples were collected from each herd to evaluate antibody titres to Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, A. pleuropneumoniae, Aujeszky's disease virus, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), and swine influenza virus. Herd characteristics were recorded using a questionnaire given to the farmers. A multivariable analysis was conducted to identify risk factors for pleuritis and EP-like lesions. High dorsocaudal pleuritis was associated with A. pleuropneumoniae seroprevalence and history of A. pleuropneumoniae isolation from pneumonic lungs of dead animals. Vaccination of weaners at 3-5 weeks of age against PRRS using a modified live vaccine was associated with a reduction in the percentage of cranioventral pulmonary consolidation (EP-like lesions).     

Partial uterine prolapse associated with uterine foreign body in a cow

After correction of partial uterine prolapse in a Holstein cow, a 6-cm-long twig was found deep in the affected uterine horn. The twig was removed, and calcium-dextrose and penicillin G were administered. Recovery was unremarkable. Other reports of uterine foreign bodies in cows are scarce and do not describe uterine foreign bodies associated with uterine prolapse or invagination.     

Omentalization of the thorax for treatment of idiopathic chylothorax with constrictive pleuritis in a cat.

A 6-year-old, spayed female Himalayan cat with idiopathic chylothorax, which failed to respond to medical management, was successfully treated by advancement of the omentum into the thorax. Exploratory thoracotomy revealed severe, constrictive pleuritis as a sequela to chylothorax. Because of the poor prognosis for recovery from chylothorax in cats with thoracic duct ligation alone, and the lack of success in performing thoracic duct ligation in this cat, the omentum was advanced into the thorax through a hole created in the diaphragm and sutured within the thoracic cavity. The cat recovered from surgery and is clinically normal 13 months postoperatively. Omental advancement may be an effective surgical management technique for this challenging disease in cats.