Changes

In acute classical swine fever, the major pathological change is multiple haemorrhages. This is seen as many purple blotches in the skin, and as sub-capsular bleeding in association with swelling and oedema in all lymph nodes. A "turkey egg" appearance to the kidneys is displayed, with haemorrhage varying from petechiae to ecchymoses. Haemorrhage may also be seen on any mucosal or serosal surface, including the urinary bladder and the larynx and epiglottis. The heart can be affected, and haemorrhage between other muscles is possible. The lungs are congested and haemorrhagic and often show bronchopneumonia, and straw-coloured fluid accumulates in the thoracic and abdominal cavities and the pericardial sac. A non-suppurative encephalitis can also feature.

In acute classical swine fever, the major pathological change is multiple haemorrhages. This is seen as many purple blotches in the skin, and as sub-capsular bleeding in association with swelling and oedema in all lymph nodes. A "turkey egg" appearance to the kidneys is displayed, with haemorrhage varying from petechiae to ecchymoses. Haemorrhage may also be seen on any mucosal or serosal surface, including the urinary bladder and the larynx and epiglottis. The heart can be affected, and haemorrhage between other muscles is possible. The lungs are congested and haemorrhagic and often show bronchopneumonia, and straw-coloured fluid accumulates in the thoracic and abdominal cavities and the pericardial sac. A non-suppurative encephalitis can also feature.

The pathological changes of chronic classical swine fever are generally less typical, and organs and serosae usually lack haemorrhages. Necrotic, ulcerative lesions known as "button ulcers" are commonly seen in the ileum and rectum and at the ileocaecal valve in animals suffering chronic diarrhoea. Joint pathology is another frequent finding. However, the clinical signs of chronic CSF are non-specific and may vary according to secondary infections, and this is reflected in the pathological presentation of the disease.

The pathological changes of chronic classical swine fever are generally less typical, and organs and serosae usually lack haemorrhages. Necrotic, ulcerative lesions known as "button ulcers" are commonly seen in the ileum and rectum and at the ileocaecal junction in animals suffering chronic diarrhoea. Joint pathology is another frequent finding. The clinical signs of chronic CSF are non-specific, however and may vary according to secondary infections; this is reflected in the pathological presentation of the disease.

The most common finding in cases of congenital classical swine fever is CNS pathology, particularly cerebellar hypoplasia.

The most common finding in cases of congenital classical swine fever is CNS pathology, particularly cerebellar hypoplasia.