Bacillary Hemoglobinuria (Red Water)
Johanna L. Watson • Gary P. Carlson
Bacillary hemoglobinuria is an acute hemolytic disorder caused by Clostridium haemolyticum (Clostridium novyi type D). Also known as “Nevada red water,” it has been reported as a naturally occurring disease in cattle and experimentally produced in sheep.
Clinical signs develop rapidly, and death losses are often seen. Affected animals may manifest severe depression, anorexia, fever, hemoglobinemia, and hemoglobinuria. The disease is endemic in certain poorly drained areas of the western United States and is caused by ingestion of infectious spores. The organism finds a favorable environment for development in areas of preexisting liver damage that most often have been produced by migrating liver flukes. The hemolytic syndrome is produced by toxins elaborated by the organism, which also produce a characteristic focal liver lesion. The anemia produced may be marked, and both icterus and evidence of erythropoietic response may be seen in animals that survive for more than a few days. For a complete description of the disease, see Chapter 33.
More on the topic Bacillary Hemoglobinuria (Red Water):
-
Veterinarian -