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Lingual abscesses in suckling and weaned lambs
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|December 15, 1984
Summary
Lingual abscesses caused lamb mortality in two midwestern flocks, leading to feeding reluctance and emaciation. Plant material was found in abscesses, highlighting the need for careful veterinary examination of lamb tongues.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Sheep Health
- Ruminant Medicine
Background:
- Lingual abscesses are uncommon but serious conditions in livestock.
- Previous literature on the etiology and clinical presentation of lingual abscesses in lambs is limited.
- Mortality events in sheep flocks necessitate thorough etiological investigations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the occurrence and potential cause of lingual abscesses in two lamb flocks.
- To emphasize the clinical signs and outcomes associated with this condition.
- To provide guidance for veterinarians investigating lamb mortalities.
Main Methods:
- Necropsy examination of deceased lambs.
- Histopathological evaluation of lingual tissues.
- Gross examination of abscess contents for foreign material.
Main Results:
- Lingual abscesses were identified as the primary lesions in affected lambs.
- Clinical signs included reluctance to feed, progressive emaciation, and death.
- Plant material was identified within the abscess centers in one flock, suggesting a potential foreign body etiology.
Conclusions:
- Lingual abscesses can cause significant morbidity and mortality in lambs.
- Veterinarians should consider lingual abscesses in the differential diagnosis for unexplained lamb deaths.
- Careful examination of the tongue is crucial during post-mortem investigations of lamb mortalities, especially when foreign material is suspected.