Porcine Dermatitis and Nephropathy syndrome

 

Other names

PDNS

Causal agent

Unknown, the causal agent(s) has not been recognized.   The disease is suggestive of a type III hypersensitivity reaction.  The role of circovirus II is as yet undefined.   Association with Pasteurella multocida An electrophoresis type 01.

Age group

The problem classically affects pigs from 40 to 70 kg (12 to 16 weeks of age).  It has been seen occasionally in adults

Distribution

Reported worldwide especially with acute PMWS.

Clinical signs

Normal farm

The condition occurs sporadically

PMWS farm

Clinical signs

Since the occurrence of PMWS the condition can reach a prevalence of 10% in groups.

The pigs show anorexia, depression and lie down a lot with a stiffened gait and may have problems rising.

The most obvious clinical sign is the presence of irregular red to purple patches (macules and papules) in the skin, particularly around the hind legs and perineal area.  The lesions tend to merge with time and if the pig survives scarring may occur.

Pigs affected before 10 weeks of age (30kg) die.  Pigs older than 10 weeks mortality may reach 25% and pigs generally die within a few days of showing clinical signs.

PDNS sp2

PDNS sp4

Two pigs with PDNS with the characteristic red blotchy lesions.  Note particularly affecting the hind area

Infectivity

As the condition is an allergic response, treatment is generally not infective

Transmission

Causal agent not yet recognized


 

Post-mortem Lesions

Skin lesions

As described in the clinical signs

PDNS%20skin%20spb

Kidney lesions

PDNS kidney sp4

Bilateral enlarged (2-3x normal) and pale kidneys with cortical petechiae.  Histological examination reveal acute glomerulonephritis and systemic necrotizing vasculitis – looking very like Classical Swine Fever

Lymph nodes around the pig may also be very enlarged with typical PMWS changes.  The association with PMWS and PDNS is still unsure.

Diagnosis

Striking skin clinical signs

Definitive diagnosis following renal histology

PCVAD histological score

Treatment

None

Control PMWS, which as yet there are few real strategies that are effective.  Ensure that management is excellent.

Corticosteriods may help recovery

Common differentials

Classical Swine Fever, African Swine fever, Possibly salmonellosis

Zoonotic implications

There are no zoonotic implications

 

Skin examination report