Malignant oedema associated with blood-sampling in sheep

Aust Vet J. 2002 May;80(5):280-1. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2002.tb10839.x.

Abstract

Malignant oedema is a fatal disease of several animal species, produced by one or more members of the Clostridium genus. We report here a case of malignant oedema in a 1-year-old Friesian sheep after a blood sample was collected from the jugular vein. Clostridium septicum and Clostridium sordellii were isolated from the lesions and also demonstrated by a fluorescent antibody test. This report stresses the need for maintaining a clean environment for animals and for strict hygienic measures during procedures that generate wounds, together with immunity acquired by proper vaccination, for prevention of malignant oedema.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animal Husbandry
  • Animals
  • Blood Specimen Collection / adverse effects
  • Blood Specimen Collection / veterinary*
  • Clostridium / immunology
  • Clostridium / isolation & purification
  • Clostridium Infections / diagnosis
  • Clostridium Infections / etiology
  • Clostridium Infections / veterinary*
  • Death, Sudden / veterinary
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Edema / etiology
  • Edema / veterinary*
  • Female
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique / veterinary
  • Sheep
  • Sheep Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Sheep Diseases / etiology