Blood chemical changes in growing pigs exposed to aerosol of Bordetella bronchiseptica
Baetz, A.L.; Kemeny, L.J.; Graham, C.K.
American Journal of Veterinary Research 35(3): 451-453
1974
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9645 PMID: 4819726 Document Number: 77406
Piglets removed from their dams at 5 days of age were infected intranasally with atomized B. bronchiseptica cultures at 14, 17, 20 and 24 days of age. Results are shown graphically. Of the 17 piglets, 6 had anorexia 2-6 days after their first exposure to infection, and 7 had severe nasal turbinate atrophy at 84 days of age. B bronchiseptica was isolated from nasal and tracheal exudates in all piglets. Agglutinating antibody titre increased fairly linearly from 24 to 84 days of age. Rapid changes in blood chemical values were observed in control piglets during the test period (14-84 days of age). Deviations from these values in infected piglets were relatively minor and of short duration, and would be of little diagnostic value. LDH activity and lactic acid concentration were higher than normal between 14 and about 40 days of age. The increased LDH activity indicated tissue degeneration. Total protein concentration was elevated between 14 and 35 days of age, probably through reduced food and water intake and the resultant dehydration. Alkaline phosphatase activity was reduced between 14 and 42 days of age, probably owing to reduced food intake.