[Evaluation of histological studies of brains in pigs]

The aim of this study was to formulate guidelines to determine whether, on the basis of the anamnesis, the age of the animal at slaughter, and the post-mortem findings, histological examination of the brain is necessary to arrive at a reliable diagnosis. In total 3159 animals were examined at the laboratory of the Animal Health Service in Gouda over the period from 1 August 1988 to 1 August 1990. Histological examination is recommended for pigs that show nervous signs, motor disturbances, and poor appetite without a clear cause of death, and for fattening pigs in which the post-mortem examination fails to detect abnormalities severe enough to cause death. Histological examination is also recommended when the animal has an overfilled stomach and/or a hard colon content. The examination is not necessary for pigs with intestinal disturbances or for pigs with endocarditis, polyserositis, or visible abnormalities of the brain. The occurrence of meningitis and encephalitis add little to the diagnosis.