[Aortic rupture in poultry: a review].

Mortality in poultry due to aortic rupture is characterized by sudden death. The condition is seen in fast-growing male turkeys but has also been described in chickens, ostriches, and waterfowl. Losses in affected flocks usually only reach 1-2%. Post-mortem examination shows a large blood clot in the abdominal cavity subsequent to a dissecting aneurysm. Fragmentation of elastic fibres and degenerative changes of smooth muscle cells are seen in the region of the rupture. Intimal sclerotic plaques are present adjacent to the site of rupture. Copper deficiency, hypertension, hormonal influences, diet, lathyrism, zinc deficiency, pharmaceuticals, and parasites are precipitating factors for aortic rupture. Field studies suggest that favourable results are obtained with reserpine and copper as treatment for ruptured aorta.