PRACTICAL: pregnancy and abortion Flashcards
2 viral causes of abortion in horses
EHV1 and EAV
Where does EHV persist?
CNS and lymphoreticular cells –> latent infection. When reactivated, shed via respiratory tract
Where does EAV persist?
accessory glands and shed via semen
Name 2 viruses that may cause pig abortion
PRRS
Swine flu
How do you test for PRRS?
Foetal tissue sample (spleen = best) –> PCR
ELISA (paired serum sample, sow)) - only shows exposure
[Virus isolation - less efficient, more expensive
Foetal serum on free foetal fluids - not as diagnostic]
How do you test for swine flu?
deep nasal swab (if showing acute signs) + RT-PCR
OR
Paired serum samples of sows, HIT
What should be your main differential diagnosis for feline abortion? Diagnostic test for this?
FeLV
Immunofluorescenc (or PCR) on tissues from aborted foetuses
Snap/Ag test on adult cat serum sample
Main cause of canine abortion?
CHV-1
How to prevent CHV-1-induced abortion?
Keep animals warm (virus replicates faster in colder environments)
Vaccinated bitch
What may cause bovine infectious vulvovaginitis?
BHV-1 (also causes IBR)
Name 4 viral causes of abortion in cattle
BVDV
BHV-1
Schmallenberg
BTV
What is the most frequent most of transmission for BVDV?
Faecal-oral>respiratory. Also vertical
What is the most frequent most of transmission for BHV-1?
Respiratory
What is the most frequent most of transmission for SBV and BTV?
Arboviruses - Culicoides
What clinical signs do sows show if they have cystic follicles?
Anoestrous (nymphomania usually cows/horses)
What is the pathogenesis of endometrial hyperplasia?
Endometrium has entered a secretory phase following prolonged exposure to P4 after E2 priming. Secretory endometrium appears nodular and thickened in this advanced case, cystic changes may also be present.
Clinical signs - canine pyometra
PU/PD, decreased appetite/anorexia, vomiting, +/- vaginal discharge
WHEN? 3-6 weeks after oestrous (metoestrous/P4 phase)
Which ovary do chickens have?
Left (Right remains vestigial sometimes)
What does epipididymitis look like?
Enlarged epididymis,
firm and nodular due to large amounts of fibrous tissue, inflammatory cells and spermatic granuloma
Causes of epididymitis in rams - 3
Brucella ovia
Actinobacillus seminis
Histophilus somni
Describe mummification
foetal death followed by foetal tissue and fluid reasbsorption. No secondary bacterial infection. Possible cause in pigs is porcine parvovirus
Signs of toxoplasma
‘Strawberry pip lesions’ on placenta
White foci of necrosis and mineralisation in bright red cotyledons
Appearance of an EAE placenta
much thickened in the intercotyledonary area, covered by some exudate
Diagnosis - EAE
impression smear of placental intercotyledonary tissue stained with mZN (Koster stain) which illustrates presence of pathogens
Diagnosis - Toxoplasma gondii
Foetal serology on free foetal fluids (pleural, pericardial, peritoneal)
How would you identify Salmonella infection?
Stomach culture –> gram stain –> pink
MacConkey: gram - grow, yellow = NLF (e.g. Salmonella)
O2 and AnO2 media: grows in both
Selenite broth: selects for Salmonella (E.coli grows too but less well).
XLD media with phenol red - xylose fermentation –> yellow media colour change (e.g. Salmonella). Colonies that can convert thiosulphate to hydrogen sulphate turn black (e.g. Salmonella, n.b. Proetus spp can also do this)
How can you confirm Salmonella infection?
Biochemical tests (API 20E) Serological identification of Salmonella antigens (O and H)
How can you culture Chlamydophila abortus?
Not possible in artificial medium
No routine culture
Tissue culture only
