Diagnosis and management of bacterial pneumonia in sheep

Abstract

A study was carried out in sheep affected with bacterial pneumonia, with an overall incidence of 17.87%. A higher prevalence was observed in sheep aged 0-6 months and females. Twenty affected sheep were evaluated using clinical examinations, pulmonary function scoring, radiography, and bacterial isolation. Key clinical signs included fever, coughing, sneezing, dyspnea, congested mucous membranes, and bilateral nasal discharge, indicating bacterial pneumonia. Pulmonary scoring and radiography helped assess severity, categorized into scores of 1, 2, and 3. The most commonly isolated bacteria were E. coli (21.42%), followed by Staphylococcus spp. (19.04%), Pasteurella spp. (16.66%), Bacillus spp. (14.28%), Streptococcus spp. (11.90%), Pseudomonas spp. (07.14%), Klebsiella spp. (04.76%) and mixed infections (04.76%). species. Hematological and biochemical analyses revealed increased white blood cells, particularly neutrophils, eosinophils, and monocytes, suggesting bacterial infection. Elevated AST levels and decreased total protein and albumin were also noted. A therapeutic study comparing two treatment protocols showed faster recovery in group 2, which received Tilmicosin phosphate, compared to group 1 which was received Marbofloxacin. The study concluded that antibiotic therapy, particularly Tilmicosin phosphate, combined with supportive care, effectively manages bacterial pneumonia in sheep.