Archive Case #146: Ovine Caseous Lymphadenitis

Clinical Clues

1. A ewe is presented for firm swellings beneath the jaw and in front of the shoulder.
2. The farmer says some of the lumps have slowly enlarged over many months.
3. The sheep is otherwise bright but in poorer body condition than expected.
4. One swelling yields thick laminated caseous material when opened.
5. Several older sheep in the flock have had similar abscesses.
6. Caseous lymphadenitis is a chronic contagious disease causing abscessation of lymph nodes in small ruminants.

Diagnosis

Ovine Caseous Lymphadenitis

This case is most consistent with Ovine Caseous Lymphadenitis because the ewe has chronic peripheral lymph node abscesses with classic caseous contents. The most important clues are the slow course and flock history, which make a simple traumatic abscess less likely.

Educational Use

Vetdle archive cases are educational veterinary games for diagnostic reasoning practice. They do not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional medical guidance.