Malignant edema: pathogen and symptoms, treatment and prevention

Animal gas gangrene is a phenomenon faced by farmers everywhere. Since malignant acute edema has a sporadic nature, the economic damage from the disease is small. Cattle are susceptible to the disease, so it is important to follow the rules of antisepsis and asepsis when providing obstetric care or performing surgical interventions.

Causes and symptoms of the disease

The disease is acute and can affect both cattle and humans. A group of microorganisms belonging to the representatives of the genus Clostridium is the causative agent of the disease in animals.The environment for the existence of pathogenic microorganisms is the normal flora of the intestinal tract of cattle and the upper layers of the soil.

The main causes of infection are damage to the skin, mucous membranes during grazing on stubble, during childbirth or castration. The rapid course of the disease is facilitated by the ingestion of manure and earth into the wounds. Cases of malignant edema are often observed in cows after calving, when the placenta is retained, and non-sterile instruments are used to separate it.

When exposed to toxins on the body, the condition of the animal deteriorates sharply (pulse, respiration become more frequent, inhibition appears). Without treatment, the animal dies in 12-38 hours.

Diagnostic rules

Painful edema quickly develops at the wound site. If the wound is opened, then a foamy liquid of different shades will be released from the wound (from rich brown to red or even transparent). In the case of malignant puerperal edema in a cow, the pelvic muscles, the perineal region and the genitals are affected.There is a thickening of the mucous membranes of the uterus, vagina. The organs are covered with necrotic masses with an unpleasant pungent odor.

The duration of the incubation period for malignant edema in an animal depends on a number of factors: the level of immunity of the cattle, the number and type of pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, the disease can manifest itself in a few hours or days. In order to exclude diseases with similar symptoms (carbuncle, anthrax), it is recommended to make a final diagnosis based on bacteriological studies.

Methods of treating malignant edema

Methods of treating animals - surgery and elimination of general intoxication through medication:

the essence of the surgical method: a wide and deep tissue incision is made to provide air access to the affected organs or areas (oxygen prevents the growth of anaerobes).Necrotic tissue is removed. The treated areas are irrigated with hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate solution, antiseptic medicines;
antimicrobials and antibiotics (sulfonamides, Tetracycline, Aspirin) are used to combat intoxication and inflammatory processes in malignant edema in an animal.

It should be noted that standard treatments are not always effective. The best results of treatment are demonstrated by intravenous administration of ozonized sodium chloride.

Possible consequences

The transience of the disease depends on the location of the focus of infection, the type of pathogen. Animals often experience tissue breakdown from skin to bones, pulmonary edema, degeneration of the heart muscle and liver, swollen lymph nodes and hemorrhages in them.

Animals with malignant edema should not be allowed to be slaughtered. Such cattle are treated beforehand.

However, it is recommended to make a sanitary assessment of the meat obtained from the slaughter of such animals. Separate organs affected by edema must be destroyed. The remaining parts of the carcass are boiled for a long time (as quickly as possible). If extensive lesions are found, the carcass is disposed of. The use of skins treated with disinfectants in industry is sometimes allowed.

Problem Prevention

Animals with malignant edema must be isolated. General quarantine is not introduced, but the premises where sick cattle were kept are cleaned and disinfected (with bleach, 5% formalin solution, 3% sodium hydroxide solution). They also burn infected manure.

Compliance with sanitary and hygienic requirements during calving is the main measure for the prevention of malignant puerperal edema. If the farm is located in an unfavorable area, the cows are massively injected with polyvalent antitoxic serum before calving.

Malignant edema is a rapidly developing disease. Therefore, a successful outcome of treatment is determined by the timeliness of assistance. It is important to thoroughly clean the affected areas of the body and treat wounds with antiseptics in a quality manner. Drinking plenty of water and a nutritious diet will help the animals recover as soon as possible.