Chemical rumenitis and Septicemic Colibacillosis causes death in a Shoka deer calf (Capreolus capreolus capreolus)

Abstract

In May 2007, a suborder Shoka deer calf about one month of age was found in a preserved area of Arasbaran in the East Azerbaijan province. From an ecological view point, the Arasbaran area is uniquely labelled as a reserve biosphere. he calf had diarrhea that recovered after treatment. During rearing, The calf received pasteurized- homogenized milk from market as well as milk of a goat. After 3 weeks, the animal suddenly showed acute depression, anorexia and hypothermia. Antimicrobial and supportive therapy was ineffective and the calf died 12 hours after showing clinical signs. At necropsy, chemical rumenitis and hemorrhagic enteritis was observed. Pure Escherichia coli was isolated from liver, lungs, rumen and small intestine contents. Histopathologic examination revealed severe chemical rumenitis and necrohemorrhagic enteritis. Absence of mother, intake of milk from other species and stress of capture were predisposing factors. Entry and fermentation of milk in rumen provoked chemical rumenitis and stasis of digestive system could be responsible for septicemic Colibacillosis (colisepticemia) and death in this Shoka calf.