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Published on: March 7, 2019
Generalized amyloidosis in an Eastern Bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci)
Mark E Wessels1, Philip N Hawkins, Noel Walker
1Veterinary Laboratories Agency Preston, Barton Hall, Garstang Road, Barton, Preston PR3 5HE, United Kingdom. m.wessels@vla.defra.gsi.gov.uk
Summary
A rare case of reactive systemic amyloidosis (AA) was identified in an Eastern Bongo. Pulmonary abscessation likely triggered excessive amyloid protein production, affecting multiple organs.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Comparative Pathology
- Wildlife Health
Background:
- Amyloidosis is a systemic disease characterized by extracellular deposition of misfolded proteins.
- It affects various species, including domestic animals, wildlife, and humans.
- Reactive systemic amyloidosis (AA) is associated with chronic inflammation or infection.
Observation:
- A 10-year-old male Eastern (Mountain) Bongo presented with malaise, cardiac hypertrophy, congestive heart failure, and pulmonary abscessation.
- Postmortem examination revealed amyloid deposits in the liver, kidney medulla, heart, adrenal cortex, and pituitary gland.
- Immunohistochemistry confirmed the amyloid as reactive systemic amyloid (AA).
Findings:
- The pulmonary abscessation was identified as the probable cause of excessive serum amyloid associated protein production.
- This led to the development of reactive systemic amyloidosis (AA) in the bongo.
- Colloidal goiter was noted as an incidental finding.
Implications:
- This case highlights the occurrence of AA amyloidosis in exotic wildlife, specifically an Eastern Bongo.
- It underscores the link between chronic inflammation (pulmonary abscessation) and systemic amyloidosis.
- Understanding amyloidosis in wildlife is crucial for conservation and veterinary medicine.
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