SUMMARY
This study aimed to describe an outbreak of abomasal bloat in kid goats
and its clinical, pathological, microbiological, molecular, and
epidemiological characteristics. In the kidding season, increased
mortality of kid goats with a history of abdominal bloating, dullness,
and death was reported. Clinical examinations were carried out, and
biological samples from necropsied kids (n = 11) were collected for
pathological, microbiological, and molecular diagnosis. Likewise, an
epidemiological survey was carried out in order to verify possible
associated factors related to the disorder. A therapeutic protocol was
also implemented. The main necropsy findings were dehydration, pale
mucosa, ascites, abomasal and intestinal meteorism and congestion,
emphysematous abomasitis, and cranial areas of lung consolidation.
Through staining techniques for cytological evaluations of the abomasum,
it was possible to identify Gram positive bacteria, coccoid, with a
cuboid shape suggestive of Clostridium ventriculi , Gram positive
bacilli suggestive of Clostridium perfringens and ovoid
basophilic yeasts compatible with Saccharomyces cerevisiae . By
anaerobic culture and molecular tests, C. ventriculi and C.
perfringens type A were confirmed. The main histopathological findings
were cholangiohepatitis, nephrosis, emphysematous abomasitis,
hyalinization of the gastric and intestinal walls, gastroenteritis,
intestinal thromboembolism, pulmonary edema, and non-purulent pneumonia,
overall suggesting a systemic enterotoxemia picture. The early detection
of sick kids and quick initiation of treatment were the primary
determinants of the prognosis of each case. There was a final mortality
rate of 24.4% (20/82), and the agents C. perfringens type A andC. ventriculi were identified as the main ones involved, with the
possible participation of S. cerevisiae . Among the possible
associated factors, the erroneous use of the milk replacer associated
with inadequate kid management was verified. Among the prophylactic
measures, hygiene care, proper use of milk replacer, vaccination plan
containing C. perfringens alpha toxoid associated with a good
colostrum management were suggested.
KEYWORDS: Artificial feeding, goats, Clostridium spp.,
enterotoxemia, milk replacement.