Rare Occurrence of Ovine Enzootic Abortion in a Two-Month-Old Sheep Fetus Caused by Chlamydia abortus: A Case Report

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 DVM student of Shahrekord University, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Iran

2 Department of pathobiology of veterinary Medicine ,shahrekord university .shrekord.Iran

Abstract

39




 



The main cause of enzootic abortion in sheep is Chlamydia abortus, which often affects ewes in the later stages of pregnancy (OEA). This case study describes a rare case of C. abortus infection in a two-month-old ovine fetus from a 13-month-old primiparous sheep, which is an exceptionally early expression of the disease. Clinical examination revealed typical placental lesions, including swollen and crimson chorioallantois due to edema, inflammatory chorion, and cream-colored exudate on membrane surfaces. The diagnosis was confirmed by ELISA testing, which found specific antibodies against C. abortus in the ewe's blood samples. Because it challenges our current understanding of the dynamics of C. abortus infections, which typically induce late-term abortions in sheep, this occurrence is particularly significant. The flock's seven-month history of repeated abortions indicated an endemic infection pattern. Regardless of gestational age, this study emphasizes the importance of comprehensive diagnostic testing for aborted fetuses and the potential that C. abortus might cause pregnancy loss earlier than is often recognized. These findings contribute to our understanding of OEA and may influence future approaches to the prevention and management of diseases in sheep populations.
 

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

Bracco, C., Gloria, A., & Contri, A. (2023). Ultrasound-based Technologies for the Evaluation of testicles in the dog: keystones and breakthroughs. Veterinary Sciences, 10(12), 683.
Eilts, B., Williams, D., & Moser, E. (1993). Ultrasonic measurement of canine testes. Theriogenology, 40(4), 819-828.
Gouletsou, P. G., Galatos, A. D., & Leontides, L. S. (2008). Comparison between ultrasonographic and caliper measurements of testicular volume in the dog. Animal reproduction science, 108(1-2), 1-12.
Hsieh, M.-L., Huang, S.-T., Huang, H.-C., Chen, Y., & Hsu, Y.-C. (2009). The reliability of ultrasonographic measurements for testicular volume assessment: comparison of three common formulas with true testicular volume. Asian journal of andrology, 11(2), 261.
Mbaeri, T., Orakwe, J., Nwofor, A., Oranusi, C., & Mbonu, O. (2013). Ultrasound measurements of testicular volume: Comparing the three common formulas with the true testicular volume determined by water displacement. African Journal of Urology, 19(2).
Mattoon, J.S., Selon, R.K., & Berry, C.R. (2021). Small animal diagnostic ultrasound, 4th ed. Elsevier Inc. USA. 636-664.
Paltiel, H. J., Diamond, D. A., Di Canzio, J., Zurakowski, D., Borer, J. G., & Atala, A. (2002). Testicular volume: comparison of orchidometer and US measurements in dogs. Radiology, 222(1), 114-119.
Pugh, C. R., Konde, L. J., & Park, R. D. (1990). Testicular ultrasound in the normal dog. Veterinary Radiology, 31(4), 195-199.
Bracco, C., Gloria, A., & Contri, A. (2023). Ultrasound-based Technologies for the Evaluation of testicles in the dog: keystones and breakthroughs. Veterinary Sciences, 10(12), 683.
Eilts, B., Williams, D., & Moser, E. (1993). Ultrasonic measurement of canine testes. Theriogenology, 40(4), 819-828.
Gouletsou, P. G., Galatos, A. D., & Leontides, L. S. (2008). Comparison between ultrasonographic and caliper measurements of testicular volume in the dog. Animal reproduction science, 108(1-2), 1-12.
Hsieh, M.-L., Huang, S.-T., Huang, H.-C., Chen, Y., & Hsu, Y.-C. (2009). The reliability of ultrasonographic measurements for testicular volume assessment: comparison of three common formulas with true testicular volume. Asian journal of andrology, 11(2), 261.
Mbaeri, T., Orakwe, J., Nwofor, A., Oranusi, C., & Mbonu, O. (2013). Ultrasound measurements of testicular volume: Comparing the three common formulas with the true testicular volume determined by water displacement. African Journal of Urology, 19(2).
Paltiel, H. J., Diamond, D. A., Di Canzio, J., Zurakowski, D., Borer, J. G., & Atala, A. (2002). Testicular volume: comparison of orchidometer and US measurements in dogs. Radiology, 222(1), 114-119.
Pugh, C. R., Konde, L. J., & Park, R. D. (1990). Testicular ultrasound in the normal dog. Veterinary Radiology, 31(4), 195-199.
Sakamoto, H., Saito, K., Oohta, M., Inoue, K., Ogawa, Y., & Yoshida, H. (2007). Testicular volume measurement: comparison of ultrasonography, orchidometry, and water displacement. Urology, 69(1), 152-157.
 
Journal of Veterinary Laboratory Research
Volume 16, Issue 2 - Serial Number 26
February 2025
Pages 151-159

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics