The First Case Report of Enterotoxemia in a Persian Gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa subgutturosa), Khuzestan Province, Ahvaz

Enterotoxemia is an intestinal disease that affects all species of domestic animals and is caused by toxin-producing types of Clostridium perfringens. This bacterium is naturally found in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals and is generally not pathogenic to its host. Under certain conditions, such as overeating, sudden dietary changes, or consumption of high-carbohydrate, high-protein, and low-fiber diets, Clostridium perfringens can rapidly proliferate and produce toxins. In this report, a one-year-old female Persian gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa subgutturosa) from the Dimeh Protected Area in Khuzestan Province was found dead in December ۲۰۲۴ without exhibiting any clinical signs before. No other mortalities were reported in the region. The fresh carcass was referred for necropsy. Gross examination revealed hemorrhage in the abomasal mucosa and the proximal small intestine. There was adhesion between the liver and diaphragm, which could not be easily separated. Additionally, several cysts were observed attached on the liver and peritoneum. The rumen was filled with green forage. Petechial hemorrhage was observed on the kidneys on both sides. In the thoracic cavity, the lungs were congested, and purulent exudate was noted in the distal portion of trachea extending to the bronchi. Samples were taken from the liver, right kidney, intestine, omasum, abomasum, and lungs. They were fixed in ۱۰% buffered formalin and sent to the pathology laboratory for further examination. Histopathological evaluation revealed necrosis of renal cortex, hepatic hemorrhage, necrosis of the intestinal and gastric mucosa, abomasal ulcers, and pulmonary congestion. These findings, along with the case history, suggest acute death due to enterotoxemia. This is the first documented report suggesting the possible susceptibility of the Persian gazelle to enterotoxemia. Confirmation of the diagnosis requires toxicological examination of the intestinal contents, which was not performed in this study due to the unavailability of samples.

کلیدواژه ها:

Enterotoxemia ، Necropsy ، Acute death ، Wildlife ، Conservation