Postmortal lesions seen in PCVD cases

Post mortal lesions are often varied and may be seen in other pig diseases as well. There are however some consistent lesions that are seen in PCVD cases.

Macroscopic lesions

• Emaciated carcass
• Rubbery mottled lungs that do not collapse post mortally due to interstitial oedema
• Enlarged lymph nodes  mainly inguinal, submandibular, mesenteric and mediastinal

The following lesions may also be seen:

• Bronchopneumonia
• Gastric ulceration of pars oesophagea
• Serositis
• Serous atrophy of fat
• Kidneys with white foci
• Hepatic atrophy
• Colitis
• Jaundice
• Lymph node necrosis
• Necrotising pneumonia
• Hepatomegaly

Histopathology

The histopathological changes in the lymphoid tissues of pigs affected by PCVD are very typical. In the lymphoid tissues lymphocytes are depleted and there is infiltration of histiocytic cells and giant multinucleate cells. PCV2 inclusion bodies are also seen in histiocytic cells.

Cross section of a severely enlarged lymph node from a pig affected by PCVD.

Pericardial and lung haemorrhages in a piglet affected by PCVD.

Myocardial haemorrhages.

Haemorrhages and ulceration of the gastric mucosa.