Significance of the histologic study of the chorion for establishing the causes of cattle abortions
Sandersleben, J. von; Hanichen, T.
Deutsche Tierärztliche Wochenschrift 92(10): 419-423
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0341-6593 PMID: 3908068 Document Number: 243790
Specimens of placenta were obtained from 409 aborted fetuses and 46 normal calvings from herds with and without Coxiella burnetii infection. Acute or chronic placentitis, present in 46 cases, was manifested by thickened, leathery membranes. There was usually no evidence of a causal agent in smears or histological sections, though electron microscopy could reveal structures resembling Coxiella. Histological examination confirmed (or ruled out) mycotic abortion. Calcified areas were found in one-third of the placentas, and they were regarded as a consequence of fetal death rather than a cause of it. Further details of the same investigation are provided in a Munich thesis by R.J. Schlusche (VB 54, abst. 1939).