This is a report of the first case of carbon monoxide (CO) intoxication in pregnant sows in Poland. The intoxication occurred on a farm with 1100 sows producing about 25,000 fatteners per year. At the beginning of January 2006 the acute, non-specific symptoms of CO poisoning in sows were misdiagnosed by field veterinarians. From 8 farrowing units only in 2 abortions had been observed (79 sows). Clinical signs included paresis, vomiting, irritability and on occasion even aggression. The piglets that were born alive were restless, exhibited a weak suckling reflex, and did not react to external stimuli. At the end of January the owner of the farm had submitted serum samples to exclude viral and bacterial infections. Chemical analyses were performed for diagnosis of toxicosis, determination of zearalenone, toxic metals, coumarin and rodenticides in feed and kidney. All laboratory analyses were negative. Necropsy of the stillborn piglets revealed characteristic gross lesions, cherry red discoloration of the subcutaneous tissue, muscles, and abdominal and thoracic viscera. Moreover, an accumulation of a large volume of serosanguineous pleural effusion was observed. We also noticed abdominal cyanosis, swelling and cyanosis of the scrotum (which was filled with jelly-like exudation) and cyanosis of the skin of the head. Based on interviews and clinical observations, anatomopathological changes together with negative results of laboratory tests for viral and bacterial infections, it was concluded that the reason for the abortions was CO intoxication. After concluding the diagnosis, investigations with the owner of the farm revealed that he recently decided to install gas-fired heaters in all farrowing houses. In 2 units he additionally decided to change loose, old wooden windows with new plastic ones. It was concluded that the gas-fired heaters used intensively during the winter months were improperly maintained and adjusted. This probably resulted in incomplete combustion of hydrocarbon fuels which finally resulted in the production of CO. In support of the diagnosis it was noted that the abortions stopped immediately after the gas-fired heaters were shut off.
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