By Jackson, C. A. and McDonough, P. L. and Rebhun, W. C., Compendium on Continuing Education for the Practicing Veterinarian, 1995
Description
Two first-calf Holstein heifers with a history of anorexia, depression, decreased milk production, severe hindlimb lameness, and swelling of 18 to 24 hours in duration were examined in February of 1993. The two animals were from a herd that, within a three-week period, had four bred heifers and one first-calf heifer die suddenly after exhibiting similar clinical signs. A pure culture of Clostridium chauvoei was isolated from the affected legs of both examined heifers. Fluorescent antibody examination was also positive for C. chauvoei. One heifer became recumbent and was euthanatized. The second heifer was treated and survived. None of the affected cattle in this outbreak was febrile. Despite an overwhelming infection, the two heifers had either normal or slightly elevated white blood cell counts and normal aspartate transaminase and creatine kinase serum chemistry values. Therefore, blood work may not be helpful in the diagnosis of clostridial myositis. Gram-stained smears or fluorescent antibody testing of the affected muscle can provide a rapid diagnosis of clostridial myositis. Bacterial culture can identify the species and confirm the diagnosis
Two first-calf Holstein heifers with a history of anorexia, depression, decreased milk production, severe hindlimb lameness, and swelling of 18 to 24 hours in duration were examined in February of 1993. The two animals were from a herd that, within a three-week period, had four bred heifers and one first-calf heifer die suddenly after exhibiting similar clinical signs. A pure culture of Clostridium chauvoei was isolated from the affected legs of both examined heifers. Fluorescent antibody examination was also positive for C. chauvoei. One heifer became recumbent and was euthanatized. The second heifer was treated and survived. None of the affected cattle in this outbreak was febrile. Despite an overwhelming infection, the two heifers had either normal or slightly elevated white blood cell counts and normal aspartate transaminase and creatine kinase serum chemistry values. Therefore, blood work may not be helpful in the diagnosis of clostridial myositis. Gram-stained smears or fluorescent antibody testing of the affected muscle can provide a rapid diagnosis of clostridial myositis. Bacterial culture can identify the species and confirm the diagnosis
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