Penetrating Trauma and Bronchopneumonia in a Ram - A Case Report

This case report documents the gross and histopathological findings in the lungs of a ram that died after a period of prolonged sternal recumbency and dyspnoea. The carcass of a nine months old Yankasa ram was presented to the necropsy unit after three weeks of dysnoea, prolonged sternal recumbency and treatment with tylosine, penicillin-streptomycin and griseofulvin prior to death. An area of necrotic dermatitis on the sternum and penetrating wound area with haemorrhages on the left lateral thoracic wall between 8th-10th intercostal spaces were observed. On gross examination, hydrothorax, hydropericardium and hepatization of the lungs were observed. On histopathology, fluid was accumulated in the alveoli, bronchioles and bronchi coupled with thickening of the interalveolar walls. On microbial culture and isolation, Staphylococcus aureus was isolated and identified. Based on these findings, a diagnosis of penetrating trauma and bronchopneumonia were made. This is the first report of bronchopneumonia in Zaria, Nigeria.

Keywords: Dyspnoea, penetrating trauma, hepatization, Staphylococcus aureus, bronchopneumonia.