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==Description==

==Introduction==

An infectious disease caused by [[Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae|''Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae'']]. The disease is characterised by sudden death, septicaemia, [[Joints Inflammatory - Pathology#Arthritis|arthritis]], [[Endocarditis|endocarditis]], diamond shaped skin lesions, laminitis and abortion in pregnant sows. Infection occurs via ingestion of contaminated food and water, or through skin abrasions.

An infectious disease caused by [[Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae|''Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae'']]. The disease is characterised by '''sudden death, septicaemia, [[:Category:Arthritis|arthritis]], [[Endocarditis|endocarditis]], diamond shaped skin lesions, laminitis''' and '''abortion''' in pregnant sows. Infection occurs via ingestion of contaminated food and water, or through skin abrasions. Swine Erysipelas is commonly called "Diamond skin disease".

==Signalment==

==Signalment==

==Diagnosis==

==Diagnosis==

Development of the typical diamond shaped lesion on the skin is pathognomic for this disease.  Erysipelas should be considered in any cases where fever and lameness occur together, or in pregnant sows struggling to farrow in combination with a fever.

Development of the '''typical diamond shaped lesion''' on the skin is '''pathognomic''' for this disease.  Erysipelas should be considered in any cases where '''fever and lameness occur together''', or in pregnant sows struggling to farrow in combination with a fever.

 

 

 

 

Clinical outcome depends on the susceptibility of the pig and the virulence of the strain of Erysipelas. Pigs are susceptible after maternal antibody has waned (after 3 months) and before protective immunity is acquired (3 years).

Clinical outcome depends on the susceptibility of the pig and the virulence of the strain of Erysipelas. Pigs are susceptible after maternal antibody has waned (after 3 months) and before protective immunity is acquired (3 years).

Changes in diet, extremes of temperature and fatigue are thought to predispose to infection.

Changes in diet, extremes of temperature and fatigue are thought to predispose to infection.

3 forms of disease occur: Hyperacute, Acute and Chronic.  

3 forms of disease occur: Hyperacute, Acute and Chronic.  

The hyperacute form is more common in younger pigs, who may present dull, collapsed or pyrexic with a scarlet tinge to the skin. This form can also present with cases of sudden death.

The '''hyperacute form''' is more common in younger pigs, who may present dull, collapsed or pyrexic with a scarlet tinge to the skin. This form can also present with cases of sudden death.

In the acute form, anorexia and pyrexia are the two most common clinical signs in younger pigs. Affected animals still die but normally after a day during which time they become dyspnoic. Older pigs tend to be pyrexic, anorexic and polydypsic.

In the '''acute form''', anorexia and pyrexia are the two most common clinical signs in younger pigs. Affected animals still die but normally after a day during which time they become dyspnoic. Older pigs tend to be pyrexic, anorexic and polydypsic.

All pigs show, pink/purple raised areas or extensive diamond-shaped plaques over the skin within 24-48 hours of developing clinical signs. If pregnant sows are infected at this time they may abort.

All pigs show, '''pink/purple raised areas or extensive diamond-shaped plaques''' over the skin within 24-48 hours of developing clinical signs. If pregnant sows are infected at this time they may abort.

Following the chronic form of the disease, affected animals can completely recover, lesions often resolve within a week however they can become necrotic and slough.  

Following the '''chronic form''' of the disease, affected animals can completely recover, lesions often resolve within a week however they can become necrotic and slough.  

The bacteria localises in joints causing destruction of the synovial membrane lining, hyperaemia, villus formation and lymphocyte and plasma cell infiltration resulting in chronic serofibrinous polyarthritis.

The bacteria localises in joints causing destruction of the synovial membrane lining, hyperaemia, villus formation and lymphocyte and plasma cell infiltration resulting in chronic serofibrinous polyarthritis.

Initially joints are hot and swollen leading to stiffness, lameness, non-weight bearing on the affected limbs and eventual ankylosis. Discospondylitis can also occur if animals are chronically affected.

Initially joints are hot and swollen leading to stiffness, lameness, non-weight bearing on the affected limbs and eventual ankylosis. Discospondylitis can also occur if animals are chronically affected.

Additionally valvular lesions may develop in the heart causing chronic valvular [[Endocarditis| endocarditis]], vegetative thrombosis of mitral valves and asymptomatic or congestive heart failure sometimes resulting in sudden death following stress.

Additionally valvular lesions may develop in the heart causing chronic valvular [[Endocarditis| endocarditis]], vegetative thrombosis of mitral valves and asymptomatic or congestive heart failure sometimes resulting in sudden death following stress.

   

Slender Gram-positive rods can be seen on microscopy of acute lesions and filamentous forms in  chronic lesions and on smears. High levels of antibody may be found in  joint fluid and so may aid diagnosis.

Post mortem diagnosis may be needed for definitive diagnosis, in particular the, [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology| liver]], [[Spleen - Anatomy & Physiology|spleen]], heart valves, [[The Endocrine Function of the Kidney - Anatomy & Physiology| kidney]], a long bone and synovial tissues should be submitted for bacterial examination.

Post mortem diagnosis may be needed for definitive diagnosis, in particular the, [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology| liver]], [[Spleen - Anatomy & Physiology|spleen]], heart valves, [[Kidney Endocrine Function - Anatomy & Physiology| kidney]], a long bone and synovial tissues should be submitted for bacterial examination.

====Gross====

====Gross====

==Control==

==Control==

Hygience is very important to control erysipelas including good sanitation and regular disinfection of pens.  It is advisable to cull chronic cases which will be acting as carrier pigs infecting other animals. Additionally any pigs being treated should be isolated to reduce the spread of disease.

Hygiene is very important to control Erysipelas including good sanitation and regular disinfection of pens.  It is advisable to cull chronic cases which will be acting as carrier pigs infecting other animals. Additionally, any pigs being treated should be isolated to reduce the spread of disease.

Live attenuated or inactivated [[Vaccines - WikiBlood|vaccines]] are also available. Immunity lasts for six months and the vaccine is normally given to recently weaned pigs and gilts or sows prior to service.

Live attenuated or inactivated [[Vaccines|vaccines]] are also available. Immunity lasts for six months and the vaccine is normally given to recently weaned pigs and gilts or sows prior to service.

==Prognosis==

==Prognosis==

Varies from sudden death to recovery depending on the virulence of the strain and age and immune status of the affected pig.

Varies from sudden death to recovery depending on the virulence of the strain and age and immune status of the affected pig.

==References==

==References==

Taylor D.J. (2006) '''Pig Diseases. 8th edition''' published by the author.

Taylor D.J. (2006) '''Pig Diseases. 8th edition''' published by the author.

[[Category:To_Do_-_Review]]

 

[[Category:Dermatological Diseases - Pig]][[Category:Reproductive Diseases - Pig]][[Category:Musculoskeletal Diseases - Pig]][[Category:Cardiovascular Diseases - Pig]]

 

[[Category:Cardiology Section]]