Pneumonia continues as a serious issue of great impacts on the sheep industry. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the clinical respiratory score (CRS), hematobiochemical and ultrasonographic alterations in sheep diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia. Totally, 130 Baladi sheep, 120 suffered pneumonia, and 10 healthy, were selected and used. Based on clinical and physical examination, pneumonic sheep were shown the signs of anorexia, coughing, nasal discharge, dyspnea, abnormal lung sounds, and a significant increase in values of body temperature, pulse rate, and respiratory rate. The incidence of pneumonia was high in adult females and sheep with poor body condition scores. Bacteriological examination revealed that the most common bacteria were Pasteurella haemolytica, Staphylococcus aureus (staph aureus), Escherichia coli (E coli), and Proteus. Further investigation of 15 pneumonic sheep by ultrasonography revealed the presence of abnormal lung patterns (pulmonary consolidation, abscess, and pleural effusion). Hematological analysis of pneumonic sheep detected a significant decrease in values of total erythrocytes, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, and lymphocytes, with a significant increase in neutrophils and the total white blood cells count. Biochemical analysis indicated a significant decreasing in vitamin D, iron, albumin, and albumin / globulin ratio. Substantial significant increases in serum amyloid A, total protein, and globulin in pneumonic sheep were seen when compared to values of healthy controls. In conclusion, bacterial pneumonia in sheep can significantly impact various hematological and biochemical |
