Student Case Presentation
Limb edema in a 2-year-old black Angus bull
| Date/Time: |
9/11/2025 2:15 pm
|
| Presenter: |
Alyssa Otto |
| Veterinary School: |
TAM |
Abstract:
A 2-year-old Angus bull presented with reported swelling in all limbs that had progressed over the past 24 to 36 hours. Additionally, the bull had difficulty rising but was observed to ambulate normally once standing. Physical examination abnormalities included mild pitting edema in both forelimbs and the scrotum and moderate pitting edema in both hindlimbs. All areas of edema were mildly warm but not painful upon palpation. Although the limb edema extended dorsally from the coronary band to above the carpi and tarsi, no signs of lameness were observed. The rest of the examination was unremarkable. At this point, differentials for limb and scrotal edema included Mycoplasma species, edema secondary to heart disease, ascites due to intra-abdominal liver fluke migration, and a protein-losing enteropathy or nephropathy. Initial diagnostics included serum chemistry, hematology, fluke egg centrifugation fecal exam, and scrotal ultrasonography. Serum chemistry and hematology results of significance included elevations in total protein and globulin, which were consistent with chronic inflammation, rather than a protein-losing enteropathy/nephropathy. Ultrasound of the scrotum found evidence of edematous soft tissue but normal testicles. No fluke eggs were observed. Our findings now suggested a Mycoplasma species, specifically wenyonii, was most likely responsible for the edematous limbs and scrotum. Venous blood was collected in an EDTA tube for a hemoplasma PCR to test for the presence of Mycoplasma wenyonii. With PCR results pending, the bull was hospitalized and started on a course of oxytetracycline and meloxicam. On day four of hospitalization, the PCR results confirmed the presence of Mycoplasma wenyonii, and the limb and scrotal edema were almost completely resolved. The bull was discharged from the hospital one week from admission with no evidence of presenting clinical signs. This case emphasized other manifestations of Mycoplasma species as a rule-out for limb and scrotal edema.
