[Clinical, radiotelemetric and x-ray research on erythematous polyarthritis in lambs]

Experimental investigations were carried out with 6 lambs each infected i/v with 2 cm3 of a 24-hour broth culture of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae rated at 10(8) microbial cells per cu. cm. The clinical state of the animals was followed up in the course of 60 days, the changes in the cardiovascular system and those in the movements of the rumen being recorded radiotelemetrically, while the changes taking place in the joints were studied roentgenographically. It was found that the causative agent of swine erysipelas was strongly pathogenic for the lambs following a hematogenic infection, causing polyarthritis with concurrent changes in the general state--rise of temperature and higher respiration and pulse rates. The electrocardiograms of the affected animals showed sinus tachycardia, participation of Q waves, and changes in the R and T waves, while the graphic records of the rumen showed a drop in the number of rumen contractions and decrease in the amplitude. Roentgenographically, there were periostitis and osteoarthritis of the carpal and tarsal joints.