Crystal-associated cholangiohepatopathy and photosensitisation in lambs |
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Authors: | C BUTTON D I PAYNTER M J SHIEL† A R COLSON‡ P J PATERSON R L LYFORD |
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Institution: | *Regional Veterinary Laboratory, Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PO Box 388, Benalla, Victoria 3672;?Division of Veterinary Field Services, Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PO Box 388, Benalla, Victoria 3672;?Myrtleford Veterinary Clinic, 62 Lawrence Street, Myrtle-ford, Victoria 3737;§Division of Veterinary Field Services, Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, PO Box 69, Wangaratta, Victoria 3677;¶Division of Veterinary Field Services, Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, 34 Towong Street, Talangatta, Victoria 3700 |
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Abstract: | Four outbreaks of hepatogenous photosensitisation occurred in weaned lambs in north eastern Victoria during the summers of 1985 and 1986. Attack rates varied between 7% and 43% and case fatality rates between 60% and 71%. Clinical signs included photosensitisation and jaundice. Serum biochemistry suggested hepatobiliary and hepatoparenchymal damage with impaired renal function. At necropsy livers were an ochre colour and kidneys a mottled brown to khaki. Histopathologically, needle-shaped to lenticular clefts were observed in and around bile ducts and in hepatocytes, hepatic sinusoidal macrophages and renal tubules. Optically active rhomboidal crystals were present in bile sediments. Panicum schinzii was identified as a possible cause in 2 of the 4 outbreaks. The clinical disease was reproduced in 2 of 6 lambs grazed on a toxic paddock. The disease was indistinguishable from geeldikkop except for the fact that Tribulus terrestris was not present on any of the 4 farms. |
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