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Caprine enterotoxaemia associated with cerebral microangiopathy
F A Uzal1, J R Glastonbury, W R Kelly
1Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
The Veterinary Record
|August 30, 1997
Summary
Clostridium perfringens type D enterotoxaemia can cause brain damage in goats. This study confirms cerebral microangiopathy and encephalomalacia in naturally occurring cases, linking them to epsilon toxin.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Toxicology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Clostridial enterotoxaemia, particularly Clostridium perfringens type D, is a significant concern in small ruminants.
- Previous understanding suggested limited direct brain pathology in goats despite clinical signs suggestive of neurological involvement.
Observation:
- Two cases of naturally occurring clostridial enterotoxaemia in goats were investigated.
- Clinical history and confirmed epsilon toxin presence in intestinal contents supported the diagnosis.
- Histopathological examination revealed acute perivascular proteinaceous exudate in the brain.
Findings:
- The study identified cerebral microangiopathy in goats affected by Clostridium perfringens type D enterotoxaemia.
- Encephalomalacia, specifically bilaterally symmetrical foci, was observed in one of the affected goats.
- These findings provide direct histological evidence of brain lesions associated with this condition in goats.
Implications:
- This research confirms that Clostridium perfringens type D enterotoxaemia can induce detectable brain lesions in goats.
- It highlights the importance of considering neurological manifestations and associated pathology in diagnosing enterotoxaemia in goats.
- The findings contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of Clostridium perfringens type D in small ruminants.
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