Porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome associated with porcine circovirus 2 infection in a Yorkshire pig.

We describe a case of porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome (PDNS) in a 14-wk-old Yorkshire pig purchased from a commercial farm for research use. Physical examination of the affected animal upon arrival revealed multifocal, red, papular skin lesions on the rump, vulva, perineum, thighs, and lower hindlegs. At necropsy, gross lesions consisted of dermatitis, bilaterally enlarged kidneys and patchy pulmonary congestion. Histologic findings included multiorgan necrotizing vasculitis with prominent lesions in the skin, kidneys, lung, spleen, and liver. Immunohistochemical staining for porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) was strongly positive in affected areas of kidney and spleen. In light of the clinical assessment and gross and histologic findings, a diagnosis of PDNS was made. We emphasize the importance of considering PDNS as a differential diagnosis in laboratory swine with skin lesions.