LINFADENITE CASEOSA EM OVINOS: DIAGNÓSTICO PÓS MORTEM RELATO DE CASO

Abstract

Caseous lymphadenitis (CL) is a chronic zoonotic and infectious disease caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium pseudoturbeculosis, responsible for great economic losses to producers. The infection is characterized by the formation of cutaneous abscesses in lymph nodes, and can affect internal organs and mediastinal lymph nodes in its visceral form. Transmission occurs through the pathogen in the environment through contact between sick and healthy animals, especially when there is exudate present in fomites and soil. The diagnosis considered the gold standard is microbiological culture and isolation of the agent. Treatment is ineffective and expensive in animals that show signs. The objective of this study is to report the case of a sheep with rectal prolapse treated at a private veterinary service, with a post mortem diagnosis of CL. On physical examination, the animal presented prostration and rectal prolapse and even with hospitalization measures for stabilization and performance of rectopexy, it presented hemodynamic instability and died. A necropsy was performed, where samples of organs with nodular changes and firm consistency, such as the liver, kidneys and intestine, were collected and sent for histopathological examination, which showed characteristics compatible with CL. CL is an infectious and contagious, zoonotic disease that is difficult to treat and can lead to the death of animals, generating a significant impact from a production point of view. The adoption of control measures for the entry of animals into the herd, aiming to minimize the risks of contamination, is essential. Treatment is ineffective and costly, and the animal should be discarded. Control programs to prevent the disease from ravaging the herd are through good management practices and sanitary measures. It is recommended to perform a necropsy on suspected animals that die. Post-mortem examination of animals with suspected CL is extremely important because it helps in the definitive detection of the disease. Diagnostic tests play an important role within a breeding facility, contributing to the disposal of sick animals.