3.448
This heavily pregnant Greyface is very dull 10 days following housing ahead of lambing time. The ewe stands with her ears down with an anxious/painful expression and excessive salivation related to rumen stasis. The ewe is in very good body condition 3.5 (scale 1-5). The ewe has a markedly increased respiratory rate with an obvious abdominal component to respiration. The mucous membranes appear toxic (purple colour). On ultrasound examination of the chest there is a sudden loss of the normal hyperechoic line representing the visceral pleura replaced by a large hypoechoic area extending for more than 6 cm from the chest wall consistent with consolidation and severe OPA. Necropsy reveals oedematous and congested lungs consistent with pasteurellosis. There is gross swelling particularly of the right apical lung lobe consistent with moderate OPA (later confirmed by histopathology). It is essential that lung samples are examined histologically as the presence of OPA is easily mistaken; some studies show that >60 per cent of OPA lesions are missed on gross inspection/palpation of lungs at necropsy.
3.449
This Greyface ewe was housed 12 days ago. The farmer reports that the ewe has been normal until yesterday. The ewe is very dull and depressed and stands with her ears down, eyelids drooped and an anxious/painful expression. The ewe is in excellent body condition. The ewe has a markedly increased respiratory rate with an obvious abdominal component to respiration. The mucous membranes appear toxic (purple colour). On ultrasound examination of the chest there is a sudden loss of the normal hyperechoic line representing the visceral pleura replaced by a large hypoechoic area extending for more than 6 cm from the chest wall consistent with severe OPA. Necropsy reveals oedematous and congested lungs consistent with pasteurellosis. Compare affected lungs (right hand side) with set of normal lung (left hand side). OPA was later confirmed by histopathology.
3.450
Exercise intolerance fails to identify early to moderate cases of OPA; many other diseases such as large pleural abscesses and lung fibrosis/abscessation cause sheep to lag behind the group and show tachypneoa.
3.451
This 4-year-old Greyface ewe is bright and alert with a normal appetite but has an increased respiratory rate with an abdominal component. The ewe is in very good bodily condition and similar to other sheep in the group. Ultrasound examination reveals a sharply demarcated area of lung consolidation representing OPA tumour extending for approximately 3 cm into the lung parenchyma (dorsal; to the left) on one side of the chest only.
3.452
This 4-year-old ewe is bright and alert with a normal appetite but has an increased respiratory rate with a marked abdominal component. The ewe is in poorer bodily condition than other sheep in the group despite an apparent normal appetite. Ultrasound examination reveals a sharply demarcated area of consolidation affecting the diaphragmatic lobe representing OPA tumour extending for approximately 3 cm into the lung parenchyma (dorsally; to the left). The liver (ventrally; to the right) is separated from the diaphragmatic lobe by the diaphragm seen as a broad hyperechoic line. Comparison of OPA-affected lung and liver reveals little difference in the sonographic appearance and demonstrates the “hepatoid” echogenic nature of the tumour mass.
3.453
This 2-year-old ram is bright and alert with a normal appetite but has an increased respiratory rate with a marked abdominal component. The ram is in poorer bodily condition than other sheep in the group despite an apparent normal appetite. Ultrasound examination reveals a sharply demarcated area of lung consolidation representing OPA tumour extending for approximately 5 cm into the lung parenchyma (dorsally; to the left) later confirmed at necropsy.
3.454
This Greyface presents with a markedly increased respiratory rate with an obvious abdominal component to respiration. On ultrasound examination of the chest there is a sudden loss of the normal hyperechoic line representing the visceral pleura replaced by a large hypoechoic area extending for more than 6 cm from the chest wall consistent with severe OPA (not shown). Necropsy, and subsequent histology, confirms the provisional diagnosis of OPA. Copious amounts of frothy clear fluid were produced from the nostrils when the ewe was raised by her hindlegs after euthanasia (positive wheelbarrow test). If this test is ever used and found positive then the ewe must be euthanased immediately because sheep deteriorate afterwards and often die within 24 hours of the test. Approximately one third of OPA-positive sheep give a negative wheelbarrow test—whilst specific for OPA, it is not sensitive.
3.455
Copious amounts of frothy clear fluid were produced from the nostrils when the ewe was raised by her hindlegs after euthanasia (positive wheelbarrow test). Approximately one third of OPA-positive sheep give a negative wheelbarrow test—whilst specific for OPA, it is not sensitive.
3.456
This 2-year-old Scottish Blackface ram is bright and alert with a normal appetite but has an increased respiratory rate with a marked abdominal component. The ram is in poorer bodily condition than other rams in the group despite an apparent normal appetite. Ultrasound examination reveals a sharply demarcated area of lung consolidation on the left side representing OPA tumour extending for approximately 4-6 cm into the lung parenchyma (dorsally; to the left) later confirmed at necropsy.
3.457
On ultrasound examination of the right chest there is a discrete 3 cm diameter hypoechoic area bordered by a broad hyperechoic (white) line, then as the probe head is advanced down the chest wall there is another sudden loss of the normal hyperechoic line representing the visceral pleura replaced by a large hypoechoic area extending for more than 5 cm displacing the heart from its normal position against the chest wall. These sonographic findings are characteristic of OPA. There are widespread fibrous adhesions which are not identified during ultrasound examination.
3.458
This 15-month-old Blueface Leicester ram presents in poor body condition. The ram stands with the neck extended and has a markedly increased respiratory rate with an obvious abdominal component to respiration. Ultrasound examination of the chest using a 5 MHz linear probe reveals sudden loss of the normal hyperechoic line representing the visceral pleura replaced by a large hypoechoic area extending for more than 6 cm from the chest wall (depth of field of this ultrasound machine) consistent with OPA. The diagnosis was confirmed at necropsy—note the sharply demarcated tumour mass ventrally which was accurately defined by the ultrasound examination.
3.459
Specially designed handling systems can be used for OPA scanning.
3.460
There is acute onset severe respiratory distress with marked inspiratory effort and stertor caused by oedema of the arytenoid cartilages of the larynx resulting in narrowing of the lumen. This Suffolk ram, purchased two weeks ago, often stands with the neck extended, head held lowered with flared nostrils and often open-mouth breathing. Otherwise, the ram is bright and alert with a normal appetite.
3.461
Delayed identification and/or inadequate duration of antibiotic therapy may result in abscess formation within the arytenoid cartilages. This Suffolk ram had been treated by the farmer with antibiotics on two previous occasions six and two weeks previously. This is the third episode of severe respiratory distress with marked inspiratory and expiratory efforts and stertor in this ram caused by oedema/abscessation of the left arytenoid cartilage resulting in narrowing of the lumen of the larynx. The ram was euthanased for welfare reasons and a laryngeal abscess revealed at necropsy alongside several large pleural/lung abscesses and associated fibrous pleurisy.
3.462
This Suffolk gimmer presents with a history of deteriorating respiratory signs. The gimmer was treated by the farmer with antibiotics two weeks ago but without improvement. There is a marked inspiratory effort accompanied by a “honking” sound. The respiratory rate is greatly increased. The gimmer failed to respond to a further course of antibiotics and dexamethasone and was euthanased for welfare reasons. An inspissated abscess with a thick-walled capsule was revealed in the left arytenoid cartilage at necropsy.
3.463
This Scottish halfbred gimmer (yearling) observed in the field is lying down and not walking around nor grazing like all other sheep in the group. When prompted to her feet, she stands but does not walk away to join the other sheep nearby; this is very abnormal behaviour for a sheep. Instead, she remains in the same place and is disinterested in her surroundings. Her ears are held back not pointed forward. The flanks are sunken consistent with poor rumen fill and reduced appetite (compare this sheep to others in the group). The respiratory rate is increased with an obvious abdominal component. The sheep has a painful expression. Trans-thoracic ultrasonography revealed extensive unilateral fibrinous pleurisy which responded very well to antibiotic therapy.
3.464
This Blueface Leicester ram presents because of a poor appetite. The ram appears dull, and the only significant clinical findings are a lack of normal breath and heart sounds over the right chest. Trans-thoracic ultrasonography reveals unilateral fibrinous pleurisy extending >8 cm deep ventrally with acoustic enhancement of the lung surface. The depth of exudate exceeds the field depth for the 5 MHz linear scanner shown towards the end of the recording. The lack of significant clinical signs in this case is surprising taking into account the amount of inflammatory exudate within the pleural space but this case is not unique and similar pathology is often found during whole flock scans for OPA in sheep showing no ill effects. Note that friction rubs are not produced by fibrinous exudate and the only means of determining whether there is pleurisy present is to scan the chest. While sheep may show no clinical signs this author always treats such cases with antibiotics.
3.465
Ultrasound examination of the chest commences at the dorsal margin of the lung moving the probe ventrally. At the start of this recording there is separation of the pleurae by a fairly constant 1 cm thick hypoechoic layer with acoustic enhancement of the normal aerated lung surface. This 1 cm hypoechoic layer represents pleurisy. There is a 1 cm deep by 2 cm wide extension of the pleurisy which may represent division between two lung lobes. The pleurisy then abruptly extends to approximately 8 cm in the right chest as a hyperechoic lattice-work within a large anechoic area. The lung surface is imaged dorsally (to the left) but there is extensive exudate accumulation ventrally (to the right). Large fibrin tags are observed moving within the exudate. The recording then features changes observed six weeks later. There is 1-10 mm pleurisy dorsally which leads on ventrally to a 4 cm diameter circular hypoechoic lesion containing multiple hyperechoic dots surrounded by an anechoic capsule approximately 1 cm thick. This capsule is contiguous with the anechoic lesion separating the pleurae. It is not possible to determine whether this lesion is an organised fibrin clot or an abscess.
3.466
This ram presents in poor body condition with occasional coughing. Auscultation of the right chest revealed no breath sounds and very muffled heart sounds. Two 6-8 cm pleural abscesses with approximately 1 cm fibrous capsules were identified on ultrasound examination of the right chest. However, the encapsulated nature of the abscesses at this stage would suggest that they were not the major cause of this ram’s low condition score although an earlier illness associated with the extensive pleural exudate which developed into these abscesses could have caused weight loss but this cannot be proven.
3.467
This Scottish Blackface presents in good body condition, but there is a slightly increased respiratory rate and effort. Auscultation of the left chest revealed no breath sounds and very muffled heart sounds; these sounds were increased on the right side. A single 8-10 cm diameter fibrin clot/pleural abscesses with 1 cm fibrous capsule was identified on ultrasound examination of the left chest. The encapsulated nature of the abscess at this stage would suggest that this pathology is not affecting the sheep at the moment, but these structures can increase over time causing increasing respiratory signs due to their “space-occupying” effects.
3.468
This Texel ram presents in poor body condition with occasional coughing. Clinical examination revealed absence of lung and heart sounds on the left side of the chest. Ultrasound examination of the left chest revealed an extensive and well-encapsulated pleural abscess/pyothorax extending to 12 cm (the 15 cm field depth marker is briefly visible on the left margin—an editing error). The encapsulated nature of the infection would explain why this ram was not showing more obvious signs of illness/toxaemia.
3.469
This Suffolk ram is dull and depressed and in poorer body condition compared to other rams in the group. Auscultation fails to reveal any normal breath sounds ventrally, and the heart sounds are greatly reduced on both sides of the chest. Trans-thoracic ultrasonography reveals widespread lung abscesses/chronic suppurative pneumonia with lung fibrosis and overlying pleurisy on both sides of the chest although only the left side of the chest features in the recording. Antibiotic treatment (an extended course of procaine penicillin) would unlikely effect a full recovery due to the encapsulated nature of the bacterial infection (abscesses) although there may be other accessible foci.
3.470
This Suffolk ram is dull and depressed and in poorer body condition compared to other rams in the group. Auscultation fails to reveal any normal breath sounds ventrally, and the heart sounds are greatly reduced on both sides of the chest. Trans-thoracic ultrasonography reveals widespread lung abscesses/chronic suppurative pneumonia with lung fibrosis and overlying pleurisy on both sides of the chest although only the left side of the chest features in the recording. Antibiotic treatment (an extended course of procaine penicillin) would unlikely effect a full recovery due to the encapsulated nature of the bacterial infection (abscesses).
3.471
This Texel ram is dull and emaciated with very poor abdominal fill. Auscultation fails to reveal any normal breath sounds on the left side with greatly reduced heart sounds. Trans-thoracic ultrasonography reveals widespread pleurisy and well-encapsulated 8 cm diameter abscesses confirmed at necropsy.
3.472
Large adult lungworm in the larger airways of this sheep.
3.473
Add warm tap water to the outer syringe casing of 50 ml syringe which has the nozzle secured by rubber tubing held closed with a jubilee clip. Add 5 g of faeces wrapped in a gauze swab; leave immersed in the water for 24-36 hours. Loosen clip carefully and discard first few drops of water, then place 3-4 drops on three slides. Check all three slides under x100 magnification.
3.474
This aged ewe was presented for necropsy; the farmer had noted no abnormal signs before death. Necropsy reveals fibrinous pleurisy associated with several large 6-8 cm diameter lung abscesses containing grey/green pus. Two large lung abscesses in the left lung contain a large amount of gas. The cause of the “anaerobic pneumonia” was not determined. Such necropsy findings are consistent with inhalation of rumen contents when cast in dorsal recumbency. Other causes could include inhalation of plunge dip wash.
3.475
This aged ewe has a predominantly right-sided mucopurulent nasal discharge. There is a marked expiratory effort with the cheeks inflated as the ewe expires. Accumulation of air within the pharynx causes mild distension of the dilated oesophagus during expiration, and aerophagia. The marked expiratory effort is also evident by observing the increased excursion of the sheep’s flanks. Necropsy reveals complete occlusion of the left nasal passages and obliteration of the nasal turbinates by tumour; the right side is almost completely occluded with distortion of the nasal turbinates.
3.476
The weaned lamb was noted while driving past the field; the farmer was not a client of the author. The lamb is very dull and uninterested in its surroundings unlike its peers and remains in sternal recumbency. The ears are down and the upper eyelids lowered. This lamb requires immediate attention not only because of the welfare implications but also the most likely diagnoses of systemic pasteurellosis and clostridial disease can be controlled/prevented in the other lambs in the group. These lambs were on ab-libitum concentrates from a hopper and the possibility of acidosis should also be investigated.
3.477
This lamb was weaned two weeks previously onto silage aftermath; other lambs in the group are in the background. The lamb is obtunded and weak. The respiratory rate is increased with a marked abdominal component. The prognosis for this lamb is grave, and it should be euthanased for welfare reasons. Treatment with intramuscular NSAID and oxytetracycline proved unsuccessful, and the lamb was found dead 12 hours later. Necropsy revealed oedematous and consolidated ventral areas of the apical and cardiac lung lobes with fibrin tags on the visceral pleura of several days’ duration.
3.478
This lamb was weaned two weeks previously onto silage aftermath. The lamb is slow to rise and join the rest of the group. It is smaller, looks to be in poorer body condition than other lambs and has a poor fleece. Clinical examination is needed to further investigate the problem.
3.479
This lamb was weaned two weeks previously onto silage aftermath. The lamb is slow to rise and join the rest of the group. It is smaller, looks to be in poorer body condition than other lambs and has a poor fleece. Clinical examination is needed to further investigate the problem.
3.480
This cadaver of a one-month-old lamb was presented for necropsy. There were no premonitory signs; the twin lamb and dam appear healthy. The lungs and liver are congested and oedematous. There are widespread petechiae on the serosal surface of the lungs and on the myocardium. A sample of normal lung floats while a sample from the ventral margin of the right apical lobe from this lamb sinks indicating pneumonia—a simple but reliable field test. A presumptive diagnosis of septicaemic pasteurellosis was reached but could not be confirmed because the farmer did not want to pay for any further tests (histology and bacteriology).
3.481
This 2-month-old lamb died whilst been delivered to the veterinary surgery for treatment. The lamb is well grown, and the farmer had noted the lamb to be “slow” for the past two days. It had not improved after antibiotic (oxytetracycline) treatment. Necropsy reveals extensive fibrinous peritonitis especially involving the serosal surface of the liver. There is also extensive fibrinous pleurisy extending to 1-2 cm thick affecting the left lung. There is marked consolidation of the right apical and accessory lung lobes. A sample of left dorsal lung floats while a sample from the ventral margin of the right apical lobe sinks indicating pneumonia.
3.482
This 3-week-old lamb presents with severe respiratory signs with a dramatic inspiratory effort. The lamb appears very dull with poor abdominal fill. The farmer declined euthanasia of this lamb and preferred to continue with antibiotic therapy.
3.483
This 3-week-old lamb presents with severe respiratory signs with a marked inspiratory effort. The lamb appears very dull with the head lowered and obvious salivation. There is poor abdominal fill indicating poor appetite. The farmer declined euthanasia of this lamb and preferred to try antibiotic therapy for the next few days.
3.484
This 2-month-old orphan lamb presents with severe respiratory signs with a very high respiratory rate and dramatic inspiratory effort. The lamb appears very dull with a painful expression. There is poor abdominal fill indicating poor appetite. The lamb does not eat when the group is fed concentrates. The lamb is emaciated. The prognosis is hopeless, and the lamb should be euthanased for welfare reasons.
3.485
A 3-week-old Texel lamb presents with severe lameness and swelling of the left carpus. The lamb also appears lame on the left/both hindlegs. The lamb had been treated with procaine penicillin for five days but without improvement. There was no evidence of respiratory disease on clinical examination. As well as polyarthritis, necropsy revealed antero-ventral lung consolidation particularly on the right side, and numerous widespread abscesses which resembled the pathology caused by Fusiformis necrophorum although no bacteriology was undertaken due to prior antibiotic therapy. Lung consolidation/abscessation cannot readily be detected on auscultation.
3.486
The risk factors for Mycoplasma (atypical) pneumonia are clearly evident in this video recording: overstocking, poorly ventilated buildings, mixing groups of sheep from several sources and mixing weaned lambs with adult sheep. The clinical signs of atypical pneumonia are generally mild with a chronic soft cough noticeable when the sheep are suddenly disturbed. There may be a reduced growth rate despite an appropriate ration with an extended period to slaughter weights but such a production check is unusual. Comments from the slaughterhouse detailing “pneumonia” in slaughtered lambs that have been housed during the winter months likely refer to atypical pneumonia lesions and can prove mis-leading.