PROXIMAL TIBIOTARSAL INFARCTS IN TURKEYS

Necrotic lesions in the proximal tibiotarsal bones of turkeys were eva luated by pathologic and bacteriologic examinations. Lesions were comp atible with infarcts and were grossly visible as focal, gray-black, re d-black, or entirely black triangular areas in the growth plate and pr oximal metaphysis at the posterior-medial angle of the tibial head. Th e lesions were detected in 408 of 1000 (41%) tibias that were collecte d at seven processing plants. Histologic lesions were characterized by thrombosed blood vessels and a well-demarcated focal area of necrosis primarily in the growth plate. No inflammatory cells were present. Ma ssive hemorrhage and cellular debris were common in the necrotic zone, and extensive, fibrin-lined clefts were often seen nearby. Staphyloco cci and Escherichia coli were frequently isolated from the lesions eit her in pure cultures or in combination with other bacteria Histologic evidence suggests that the infarcts were probably traumatic in origin and that the bacterial infection was secondary.