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Clostridium septicum
(Malignant Edema)
Doug
Stearn, DVM
Staff Veterinarian
Malignant
edema is caused by an anaerobic gram-positive rod shaped
bacteria called Clostridium
septicum. All
ages and species of animals are susceptible and the disease
occurs worldwide. Clostridium
septicum is found in the soil and intestinal tracts of
animals. Typically
infection occurs through contamination of wounds by the
bacteria. Wounds
caused by lacerations, injections, head butting, shearing,
tail docking, castration and parturition may become infected.
Once the organism gains entry into a wound the bacteria
can release toxins that cause severe local tissue necrosis and
systemic signs.
Clinical
signs usually appear within a day of the injury. Typical signs include fever, anorexia and localized
swelling with pain. The
local swelling typically pits with direct digital pressure and
will extend into surrounding tissue. The characteristic swelling and high mortality rate is
what gives this infection its name, “Malignant Edema.”
Diagnosis
of the disease is based on necropsy and laboratory
confirmation. Lab
testing is based on fluorescent-antibody staining of Clostridium
septicum from a tissue smear. The tissue smear sample needs to be collected rapidly
from the carcass, otherwise Clostridium septicum can contaminate the tissue within 24 hours
after death.
Treatment
of the disease is less than rewarding. If treatment is attempted, it usually consists of
antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs and supportive care. Surgical debridement of infected tissue can be
attempted, but usually does not greatly improve the outcome. Control of the disease is through vaccinations and good
hygiene during invasive procedures.
Colorado
Serum Company offers three products that can assist in
protecting your animals from infection with Clostridium
septicum. The
three vaccines are Essential 2, Essential 2+P
and Essential 4. All are killed bacterin vaccines and should be given
before invasive procedures such as castration, dehorning or
tail docking. Calves
vaccinated under three months of age should be revaccinated at
weaning or 4 to 6 months of age. Annual vaccination is recommended in high risk areas
and vaccination is recommended after severe trauma.
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