TitleIdiopathic eosinophilic enteritis in four cattle.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1998
AuthorsCebra, ML, Cebra, CK, Garry, FB, Gould, DH
JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
Volume212
Issue2
Pagination258-61
Date Published1998 Jan 15
KeywordsParatuberculosis
Abstract

Four cattle had chronic diarrhea and had lost weight but were not anorectic or dehydrated. A diagnosis of eosinophillic enteritis was made on the basis of a combination of clinical and histopathologic findings and exclusion of other diseases. Eosinophilia and hypoalbuminemia were not detected in CBC analyses. Gross and histologic examination of the small intestine revealed edema, diffuse eosinophilic inflammation (> 20 eosinophils/HPF [400 x]), and regional lymphadenopathy. A causative agent was not identified in any of the cattle. Treatment consisting of a 1-month course of systemically administered corticosteroids was attempted in 2 cattle and was apparently successful in both. Diagnostic criteria for eosinophilic enteritis have not been established for cattle and, therefore, the diagnosis was subjective. This disease resembled paratuberculosis (Johne's disease) in clinical appearance but was distinguished on the basis of a lack of a contagious etiologic agent and differences in histologic appearance.