obsolete bovine atypical interstitial pneumonia

Obsolete Bovine Atypical Interstitial Pneumonia

Obsolete bovine atypical interstitial pneumonia, also known as acute bovine pulmonary edema and emphysema (ABPE), is a respiratory disease syndrome that affects cattle. This condition was previously referred to as "atypical interstitial pneumonia" or "fog fever".

Characteristics

• The disease typically develops within 2-5 days after a change in pasture, often from a dry to a lush and green area [5].
• Initial symptoms are nonspecific and may include fever, malaise, chest pain, and nonproductive cough [9].
• The condition can progress to severe respiratory distress, with symptoms such as difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, and blue-tinged mucous membranes.
• Necropsy lesions reveal a diffuse interstitial pneumonia with subpleural and interstitial edema, and pulmonary emphysema may be present [6].

Causes

• The exact cause of obsolete bovine atypical interstitial pneumonia is not well understood, but it is believed to be related to viral infections, such as the bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) [3].
• Bacteria that are normally commensals in the upper respiratory tract can become opportunistic pathogens and contribute to the development of this condition [3].

Complications

• The disease can lead to significant morbidity and mortality in affected cattle, with high rates of death reported in some cases.
• Complications may include secondary infections, such as pneumonia or septicemia.

The term "obsolete bovine atypical interstitial pneumonia" is no longer used in modern veterinary medicine, and the condition is now referred to by other names, such as acute bovine pulmonary edema and emphysema (ABPE) [10].

Obsolete Bovine Atypical Interstitial Pneumonia (AIP) Signs and Symptoms

Bovine AIP, also known as acute bovine pulmonary emphysema and edema, is an acute respiratory disease that affects adult beef cattle. While it's considered obsolete in modern veterinary medicine, understanding its historical signs and symptoms can provide valuable insights into the condition.

Clinical Findings and Diagnosis

• Respiratory distress: Cattle may exhibit difficulty breathing, with signs of dyspnea (difficulty breathing) and hyperpnea (rapid breathing rate).
• Fever: Elevated body temperature is a common symptom.
• Coughing: A productive cough, often accompanied by nasal discharge and conjunctivitis.
• Nasal discharge: Purulent or mucopurulent discharge from the nostrils.
• Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the eyes, with signs of redness, swelling, and discharge.

Other Signs

• Depression: Affected cattle may exhibit lethargy, loss of appetite, and decreased milk production (in lactating females).
• Anorexia: Reduced feed intake.
• Salivation: Excessive salivation.
• Moist painful cough: A characteristic coughing sound.

Postmortem Examination

A definitive diagnosis of bovine AIP requires postmortem examination. Signs include lungs that are edematous, heavy, and fail to collapse.

These signs and symptoms were commonly associated with obsolete bovine atypical interstitial pneumonia. However, it's essential to note that modern veterinary medicine has made significant progress in understanding and managing this condition, and the disease is no longer considered a major concern in contemporary cattle health.

References:

• [1] Signs of acute M. haemolytica pneumonia include fever, depression, anorexia, markedly decreased milk production, salivation, nasal discharge, moist painful cough, and conjunctivitis.
• [3] Typical clinical signs of BRD include fever, dyspnoea, coughing, nasal or eye discharge, depression, and anorexia.
• [4] Clinical Findings and Diagnosis​​ Clinical signs include high fever, hyperpnea, spontaneous or easily induced cough, nasal discharge, and conjunctivitis.
• [5] The most common presenting signs are chronic, purulent, unilateral nasal discharge; it is very rare to see facial asymmetry, but affected cattle may sometimes exhibit salivation.

Based on the provided context, it appears that diagnostic tests for bovine atypical interstitial pneumonia (AIP) have evolved over time.

Historical Diagnostic Methods

In the past, diagnosis of AIP in cattle relied heavily on clinical signs and postmortem examination. According to [1], a definitive diagnosis required postmortem examination, with lungs being edematous, heavy, and failing to collapse. However, these methods were not always reliable or accurate.

Advancements in Diagnostic Testing

More recent studies have focused on developing more effective diagnostic tests for AIP. For instance, [6] highlights the importance of imaging in diagnosing atypical pneumonia, with findings that may suggest the possibility of an underlying condition. Additionally, [8] suggests that thoracoscopy could be used to safely obtain lung biopsy specimens in cattle with AIP.

Current Diagnostic Approaches

Today, diagnostic tests for AIP in cattle include:

• Imaging studies, such as CT angiography, which can help identify septic pulmonary emboli and diffuse infiltrates that tend to cavitate [9].
• Nasal swabs from sick cattle for viral isolation in research settings [7].
• Endoscopic examination of the nasal and nasopharyngeal cavity, which can aid in diagnosis [5].

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite these advancements, challenges remain in accurately diagnosing AIP. As noted in [13], genetic variants may not be detected by routine diagnostic tests, particularly for RNA viruses. This highlights the need for continued research and development of more effective diagnostic methods.

In summary, while historical diagnostic methods were limited, recent studies have led to the development of more accurate and reliable tests for bovine atypical interstitial pneumonia. However, further research is necessary to overcome existing challenges and improve diagnostic outcomes.

References:

[1] Neary (2017) [5] Peek (2018) [6] Dueck (2021) [7] Dueck (2021) [8] Michaux (2014) [9] (2022) [13] Doster (2010)

Treatment Options for Obsolete Bovine Atypical Interstitial Pneumonia

The treatment of bovine atypical interstitial pneumonia (AIP) has evolved over time, and the condition is now considered obsolete. However, understanding its historical treatment can provide valuable insights into managing similar respiratory conditions in cattle.

• Mass medication: In the past, mass medication with a single injection of a long-acting antibiotic such as oxytetracycline was used to control AIP in many herds [2].
• Antibiotic therapy: Penicillin and ampicillin have been used to treat infections associated with AIP, although their effectiveness may vary depending on the specific circumstances [1].
• Macrolides or tetracyclines: In case of atypical pneumonia, macrolides or tetracyclines are recommended as first-choice treatments [4].
• Respiratory quinolones: These should be reserved as alternative drugs but may be considered in certain situations [4].

It's essential to note that the most appropriate treatment for a particular disease will depend on various factors, including the specific type of disease and the individual circumstances [5]. Therefore, a comprehensive approach considering multiple factors is crucial when managing respiratory conditions in cattle.

References:

[1] TJ Divers (2008) - In severe or recurrent cases, antibiotic therapy may be necessary in addition to sodium iodide. [2] Control has been achieved in many herds with mass medication at the time of a move with a single injection of a long-acting antibiotic such as oxytetracycline. [4] K Mikasa (2016) - In case of atypical pneumonia, a macrolide or tetracycline is the first choice. [5] It is important to note that the most appropriate treatment for a particular disease will depend on a variety of factors, including the specific type of disease.

Differential Diagnosis of Obsolete Bovine Atypical Interstitial Pneumonia

The differential diagnosis for obsolete bovine atypical interstitial pneumonia (AIP) involves considering various conditions that may present with similar clinical signs and symptoms. Based on the search results, the following are some possible differentials:

• Interstitial Lung Disease: This condition is often idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which can be a differential diagnosis for AIP [9].
• Pneumonic Pasteurellosis: This bacterial infection can cause pneumonia in cattle and may present with similar clinical signs to AIP. In some cases, animals may initially respond to treatment for pneumonic pasteurellosis but then develop acute signs of atypical interstitial pneumonia [11].
• Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD): BRD is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in cattle and can present with similar respiratory symptoms to AIP. However, the exact causes of BRD are not always clear, and it may be a differential diagnosis for AIP [5].
• Acute Bovine Pulmonary Edema and Emphysema (ABPEE): This condition is also known as atypical interstitial pneumonia, fog fever, or pneumotoxicosis. It can cause acute respiratory distress in cattle and may present with similar clinical signs to AIP [4].

It's essential to note that the differential diagnosis for obsolete bovine AIP may vary depending on factors such as geographic location, management practices, and the specific causal agents involved.

References:

• [9] Post-diagnosis evaluation of interstitial lung disease
• [11] Atypical interstitial pneumonia in young cattle
• [5] Bovine respiratory disease (BRD)
• [4] Acute bovine pulmonary edema and emphysema (ABPEE)