CN: 19-454
Species: Wild Mammal, Caribou
Specimen:
Carpus
Shown:
Lymphoplasmacytic synovitis of the joint capsule caused by Brucella suis biovar 4
Plain-Language Description:
A front leg with the skin peeled away to both sides, exposing a swollen joint (center of image) caused by Brucella infection. This leg was likely painful for the animal.
Pathology Description:
Swelling of carpus projecting ~3cm above the level of the carpal bones with a distended joint capsule. On cut section the joint capsule contains ~7mL of fluid with copious flocculent tan particles (fibrin).
Comments:
This specimen also shows Besnoitia infection. For further information on this disease process, see “More from this case” below.
Pathology:
Brucellosis
General Information:
In the Arctic, brucellosis is a highly contagious disease that occurs in caribou and muskoxen, and rarely in other species (e.g., moose). It is caused by the bacterium Brucella suis biovar 4 and most often affects the reproductive organs and leg joints. Infected animals may appear healthy, but often they will have swollen joints and may limp. Other signs of brucellosis are swollen, bigger-than-usual testicles, udder, or uterus. Affected animals may also have yellow-white spots or lumps (small abscesses) in their muscle tissue, kidneys, or other organs. Brucella is a zoonotic bacterium, meaning it can be transmitted between animals and people.
Pathology:
Brucellosis
General Information:
In the Arctic, brucellosis is a highly contagious disease that occurs in caribou and muskoxen, and rarely in other species (e.g., moose). It is caused by the bacterium Brucella suis biovar 4 and most often affects the reproductive organs and leg joints. Infected animals may appear healthy, but often they will have swollen joints and may limp. Other signs of brucellosis are swollen, bigger-than-usual testicles, udder, or uterus. Affected animals may also have yellow-white spots or lumps (small abscesses) in their muscle tissue, kidneys, or other organs. Brucella is a zoonotic bacterium, meaning it can be transmitted between animals and people.
