Aspiration bronchopneumonia in a bull diagnosed by field necropsy

Abstract

This investigation reports a clinical case of a bovine animal, Nelore Mocho breed, 33-month-old male weighing 750 kg, prepared for sale as breeding stock at a private fair on a livestock farm located in the department of Amambay. The manager states that the animal has stopped eating, but is drinking a lot of water. The corresponding anamnesis is taken since the animal's origin is from another sector of the farm and it is mentioned that it was in the field with commercial supplementation for breeding stock. Later it is transferred to be rationed and prepared for the corresponding fair. Once in the sector, it is provided with corn silage, commercial feed and water ad libitum. After three days the animal exhibits the aforementioned behaviors. Visual inspection presents dyspnea, serous nasal discharge, sialorrhea, anorexia and ataxia. Rectal palpation reveals bloody and putrid liquid fecal matter, with a temperature of 39.4 ° C. Symptomatic treatment is carried out to stabilize the animal, blood sampling to rule out viral diseases by serology. The death occurs the following day. A field necropsy is performed, examining the digestive system for diarrhea, organs of the lymphatic system, heart and respiratory system, finding focal pulmonary hemorrhage and a foreign body in the bronchi compatible with the feed provided as rations. The cause of death is diagnosed as bronchopneumonia due to foreign body aspiration. The necropsy is a diagnostic technique to be taken into account in the field.