Postpartum clostridial gangrenous metritis in 12 dairy goats in France.

Abstract

Clostridial infections in goats have been associated frequently with enteric diseases or gas gangrene but very rarely with the reproductive system. We describe here 12 cases of fatal postpartum gangrenous metritis in does associated with infection by several clostridial species. Clinically, these cases were characterized by rapid onset of hyperthermia followed by death after kidding. On postmortem examination, the uteri appeared to be necrotic and were hemorrhagic and edematous. Microscopically, the uteri had diffuse coagulative necrosis, edema, hemorrhage, and fibrinous thrombi with intralesional gram-positive rods.was isolated from 7 of 9 uterine samples cultured, and,,, orwere demonstrated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in the 5 cases examined. IHC forwas negative in all 5 cases. PCR performed on 3 of theisolates was positive for alpha toxin and perfringolysin, identifying these isolates as type A. Clostridial infection should be considered in cases of postpartum gangrenous metritis of does.