Proximal tibiotarsal infarcts in turkeys

Necrotic lesions in the proximal tibiotarsal bones of turkeys were evaluated by pathologic and bacteriologic examinations. Lesions were compatible with infarcts and were grossly visible as focal, gray-black, red-black, or entirely black triangular areas in the growth plate and proximal metaphysis at the posterior-medial angle of the tibial head. The lesions were detected in 408 of 1000 (41%) tibias that were collected at seven processing plants. Histologic lesions were characterized by thrombosed blood vessels and a well-demarcated focal area of necrosis primarily in the growth plate. No inflammatory cells were present. Massive hemorrhage and cellular debris were common in the necrotic zone, and extensive, fibrin-lined clefts were often seen nearby. Staphylococci and Escherichia coli were frequently isolated from the lesions either in pure cultures or in combination with other bacteria. Histologic evidence suggests that the infarcts were probably traumatic in origin and that the bacterial infection was secondary.