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Middle ear infection in feedlot lambs
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|October 15, 1982
Summary
Feedlot lambs with pneumonia were more likely to have otitis media (middle ear infection). This suggests a link between respiratory disease and ear infections in lambs, potentially impacting animal health.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Ovine Health
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Otitis media, a middle ear infection, can affect feedlot lambs.
- Pneumonia is a common cause of mortality in feedlot lambs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of otitis media in feedlot lambs with and without pneumonia.
- To identify potential pathogens associated with otitis media in lambs.
Main Methods:
- Necropsy of 133 feedlot lambs, categorizing lung condition (normal vs. pneumonic).
- Examination of middle ear structures for signs of otitis media.
- Bacterial culture of infected ear samples.
Main Results:
- A significantly higher prevalence of otitis media was observed in lambs with pneumonic lungs (39%) compared to those with normal lungs (12%).
- Pasteurella haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida were the most common bacteria isolated from infected ears.
- Histopathological changes in acute and chronic otitis media were described.
Conclusions:
- Pneumonia in feedlot lambs is strongly associated with a higher incidence of otitis media.
- The auditory tube is a likely route for infection, ascending from the pharynx.
- Otitis media may be a secondary complication of respiratory disease in feedlot lambs.