Synonyms

 

No known synonym

 

Name of the disease in English

 

Spleen abscess; necrobacillosis of the spleen

 

The disease in brief

 

Abscesses of the spleen are most often caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum or Arcanobacterium pyogenes, or Streptococcus sp. which come mainly from infection of the rumen wall. Rumen parietal infections are often associated with acidotic diets, too rich in starch or associated with bites by foreign bodies.

 

The majority of cases are subclinical and the clinical cases are not very specific: It can be a bovine with non-specific digestive disorders or a bovine which is losing weight without any other clear clinical signs.

 

Clinic & diagnosis

 

The disease is suspected by noting both:

-A pain on percussion under the last ribs

-Fever

Cattle may also show anemia and tachycardia.

 

Typical sign of the disease

 

No description

 

Pictures

 

See below

 

Diagnostic formulas

 

No description

 

Differential diagnosis

- Traumatic reticuloperitonitis DG27

-Chronic indigestion of the reticulo-rumen (Hoflund's syndrome) DG25

-Subacute rumen acidosis

 

Confirm a suspicion?

 

-An ultrasound can confirm the lesion.

-The total protein evaluation test with the refractometer or with glutaraldehyde (BOVI-Gamma-Test ND NBVC) will be able to show inflammation.

 

Prognosis and treatment

 

Extended broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment for 7 to 14 days will improve the patient's condition, but the risk of recurrence is present.

A splenectomy is possible if the adhesions and the peritoneal infection is not too extensive.

 

Prevention

 

- Control subclinical acidosis in the herd: Maintain a sufficient level of fiber in the ration.

 

References

 

-Veterinary Medicine-Pocket companion -9th Edition BLOOD DC-page 150