Diffuse fibrosing alveolitis is a chronic, progressive respiratory disease of undetermined cause and possibly of multiple etiologies. A proportion of affected cattle are seropositive for precipitating antibodies to Micropolyspora faeni, and this condition may represent the end stage of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Other than the respiratory signs, the animals appear alert and maintain a good appetite until the onset of heart failure in the terminal stages. Signs include coughing, increased respiratory rate, dyspnea, and weight loss. Necropsy findings include right ventricular hypertrophy, interalveolar fibrosis, obliteration of the alveolar spaces, alveolar hyperplasia, bronchitis, and bronchiolitis. There is no treatment.
OTHER TOPICS IN THIS CHAPTER
Respiratory Diseases of Cattle
Overview of Respiratory Diseases of Cattle
Allergic Rhinitis and Enzootic Nasal Granuloma in Cattle
Sinusitis in Cattle
Necrotic Laryngitis in Cattle
Tracheal Edema Syndrome of Feeder Cattle
Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex
Enzootic Pneumonia of Calves and Shipping Fever Pneumonia
Viral Respiratory Tract Infections in Cattle
Bacterial Pneumonia in Cattle
Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia
Interstitial Pneumonia in Cattle
Acute Bovine Pulmonary Emphysema and Edema
Anaphylaxis in Cattle
Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis in Cattle
Diffuse Fibrosing Alveolitis in Cattle
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome of Feedlot Cattle
4-Ipomeanol Toxicity (Moldy Sweet Potato) and Perilla Ketone Toxicity (Purple Mint Toxicity) in Cattle
Toxic Gases in Respiratory Disease of Cattle
Vena Caval Thrombosis and Metastatic Pneumonia in Cattle