Spontaneous lesions in clinically healthy, microbiologically defined Göttingen minipigs

Abstract

The use of miniature swine in biomedical research is increasing, whereas reports on their spontaneous pathology are sparse. Therefore, a study was performed to determine the incidence and nature of spontaneous lesions seen at necropsy and by microscopic examination. Eighteen clinically healthy,  mierobiologieally defined Göttingen minipigs, reared under strict barrier conditions, were examined in a scheme covering both sexes and three different ages i.e., 3, 6, and 12 months. The most common microscopic lesion was focal aecumulations of mononuclear inflammatory cells in various rgans. Exutlative dermatitis and hyperkeratosis with Candida Spp. in the scaly debris was seen in the periocular region of three animals. Other inflammatory lesions were few, generally mild, and also of a focal nature. Iron deposition. probably due to preventive iron administration, was seen in the liver, kidneys, and lymph nodes. In the oesophageal part of the stomach a high incidence of apparently feed-related hyper- and parakeratosis was found. It is concluded that spontaneous lesions in microbiologically defined Göttingen minipigs are generally of a mild and focal nature.