Ascites Syndrome in broiler birds - A case report

Five Vencobb broiler birds approximately eight weeks old were submitted for post-mortem examination to the Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Ranchi, Jharkhand, from a nearby private broiler farm. External examination revealed poor body condition and abnormal abdominal distension in all birds. Upon necropsy, approximately 50-60 ml of yellow, watery fluid containing thick, mucus-like yellow clots was found in the abdominal cavity. The liver appeared mottled and friable, the intestines were severely congested, the kidneys showed lesions of nephrosis and the lungs were pneumonic. Histopathological analysis revealed vacuolar degeneration of hepatocytes, congestion of sinusoids and the presence of haemosiderin pigment. The mucosal surface of the proventriculus exhibited degenerative, necrotic and congestive changes. The intestinal villi showed necrosis, epithelial sloughing and karyorrhexis. The heart tissue displayed significant mononuclear cell infiltration - primarily macrophages and epithelioid cells - within the subepicardial region. Based on the clinical history, gross lesions and histopathological findings, the condition was diagnosed as Ascites Syndrome.