Sudden Death in Turkeys with Perirenal Hemorrhage: Pathological Observations and Possible Pathogenesis of the Disease

Abstract

A pathological study was conducted on 32 turkeys that died of sudden death with perirenal hemorrhage syndrome. Turkeys were selected from routine necropsy cases in a diagnostic laboratory. A higher incidence was observed in heavy tom turkeys. In addition to the characteristic gross lesions of perirenal hemorrhage, splenomegaly, and pulmonary congestion, turkeys in most cases had a hypertrophic cardiopathy. Microscopic lesions included moderate-to-marked acute passive congestion of all tissues examined (32/32), severe perirenal hemorrhage (32/32), and splenic lymphoid depletion (25/32). Changes in the thyroid follicular epithelium of most birds suggested an increased glandular activity. No lesions suggestive of arterial hypertension were observed. Adenoviral infection was detected in only four of 32 birds. Bacteriological cultures revealed no significant pathogen. Results suggest that sudden death in turkeys with perirenal hemorrhage is caused by an acute congestive heart failure consecutive to a hypertrophic cardiopathy. The perirenal hemorrhage would be a consequence of a severe passive congestion in kidneys.

Avian anaesthesia

“…The latter renal portal system is important in elimination of urates (Siller, 1971). When the valve is closed, venous flow from the legs enters the kidneys before any other organs (Larochelle et al, 1992 Avian anaesthesia within the renal portal ring may also bypass the kidneys by shunting to the caudal mesenteric vein or internal vertebral sinus (Echols, 2006). When stressed, sympathetic activity stimulates adrenaline (epinephrine) release, opening the valve; this diverts blood from the kidney to the caudal vena cava and thence vital organs such as the heart and brain (Siller, 1971).…”

Types of Renal Disease in Avian Species

“…Renal disease and lesion formation may be secondary to a wide variety of conditions [56][57][58][59]. Ischemic (hemoglobinuric, myoglobinuric) nephrosis is secondary to a number of problems.…”