Cranial superficial epigastric vein phlebitis and septicemia in dairy cows in Brazil

Abstract

Cases of cranial superficial epigastric vein (CSEV) phlebitis with subsequent septicemia were observed in dairy farms in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Autopsy on 4 affected cows, from 2 farms, revealed CSEV thrombophlebitis with perivascular abscesses, pulmonary abscesses, valvular endocarditis, arthritis, thromboembolic nephritis, and renal infarcts. Microscopic examination revealed fibrosing and lymphoplasmacytic phlebitis with occasional endothelial loss, subendothelial areas of necrosis, and abundant fibrin deposition. Trueperella pyogenes, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus were isolated from lesions of 3 different cows. Thrombophlebitis of the CSEV is a rare condition in dairy cows; however, it has become more frequent in dairy farms in southeastern Brazil after repeated venipuncture of this vein, likely with contaminated needles used for administration of oxytocin.