Volume 22 • Issue 05 • 2018
Figure 3: Myocardial neosporosisa
Figure 6. Tongue anemia.
Examine the thymus gland or evidence of reduced
size (atrophy) or enlargement (hypertrophy).
Possible causes of thymic atrophy in the ruminant
neonate (figure 7 and figure 8) include
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Figure 4: White muscle disease
level (figure 3 and figure 4). Histopathology is
required for accurate distinction of these entities.
Etiologies to consider when confronted with
pale myocardial streaking of fetal heart muscle
include micronutrient imbalances (vitamin E,
selenium, copper, zinc etc.), infectious agents
(viruses, protozoa) and toxic agents (heavy
metals, mycotoxins).
Examine the fetus for any evidence of anemia
or icterus. Remember the tongue forms part
of the oral mucosal surfaces and so is a useful
organ in conjunction with mucous membrane
examination, for the assessment of anemia,
icterus, congestion, methemoglobinemia (nitrate
poisoning) etc. (figure 5 and figure 6).
Figure 5. Icterus in utero anaplasmosis
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Maternal malnutrition.
Zinc deficiency
Foetal stress with elevated glucocorticoids
Exposure of dam to environmental
contaminants (chlorinated hydrocarbons,
heavy metals)
Mycotoxins (fumonocin, aflatoxins)
Viral agents (BVDV).
Figure 7. Normal thymus
Figure 8: Thymic atrophy
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